Father Tony Barry is a retired priest who spent 14 years residing at St. Andrew's Parish. He has now moved to a care home. While he was Parish Priest at St. Clare of Assisi in Brookfield, Middlesbrough, he wrote an article entitled Ten Tips on Prayer for a magazine. It is still very relevant today so we have reproduced it below for all to benefit from his wisdom.

Praying is fantastic! Many seem to pray as the would visit a tiresome old aunt. They do it as a duty — regulary, no doubt — but they are relieved when it is over.

NO! Prayer is like a love affair. We get acquainted and, after a time, we become fir friends and then the friendship warms into something else. We are in love!

It all ends with — WOOMPH — the wedding in heaven.

You can't love by rule, but here are some tips.

1. Meet him as often as you can. He is waiting in the Sacraments, in the needy and in the group gathered to do what he wants.
   
   
2. Read about him regulary, every day if you can. If not, read a bit on Sunday's — isn't that what Sunday's are for.
   
   
3. Think about what you read.
   
   
4. Talk to him often, anywhere, anytime, about anything — even about stupid things! Lovers often talk a lot of rot.
   
   
5. You don't have to talk. You can just be content in his presence.
   
   
6. Often tell him you love him.
   
   
7. Don't be always saying "gimme". Praise Him and thank Him too.
   
   
8. When the path of true love doesn't run smooth, don't lose heart, but be faithful and trusting.
   
   
9. Try not to be fickle, but if you fall He will always take you back.
   
   
10. Make sure you keep well in with his mother.
    
    

Remember…
God is courting us rather than us courting God.