Throughout this year dedicated to prayer, Aleteia publishes testimonies of Christians whose lives are transformed by prayer. This is the case of Claire de Féligonde, married and mother of six children, who finds in her daily life multiple opportunities to address the Lord.
“With Jesus, I have confidence,” asserts Claire de Féligonde with confidence. Aged 38, living in the Paris region, the young woman finds in prayer an essential breath of fresh air for her life as a woman, wife and mother. An experience which she enthusiastically shares with other mothers through her books and podcasts. An unshakeable trust in the presence and love of Christ which dates back to adolescence, during a retreat in Paray-le-Monial. “I believed in God but it suddenly became clear to me that I was loved, that Jesus was my savior, and that all battles were won in advance because I would never lack love,” she confides .
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From that day on, Claire felt the “need to open up to this love” which is for her a source of charity, courage, creativity… “I had to pray, it has become essential, it gives sense in everything I experience, even in the most repetitive gestures. With Jesus, everything makes sense.” But in the busy daily life of a large family, it is not easy to find time to pray. “I am not a specialist in prayer, but rather a specialist in the difficulties of praying! “, happily admits the mother. Obstacles that did not slow down his desire to get closer to God. She first confided this difficulty to him: “Lord, you wanted me to be a mother, so now help me! Give me ideas to make prayer encompass my day.”
Converse with God throughout the day
The ideas were not long in coming and Claire developed some “techniques” for conversing with God throughout the day. “I don’t feel anything in prayer. But I know Jesus is there, and that’s okay with me. It’s easy to talk to him,” she confides, giving some examples of her daily prayers. A difficult awakening after a night interrupted by a baby’s cries? “Lord, I am tired but I am going to live this day with you, I offer you my fear of not being up to it. » Children arguing? “Lord, bless these children.” Any whims or anger to manage? “Lord, help me not to lose patience. » A long and complicated poem given by the teacher? “Lord, bless the mistress. » An important meeting for your partner? “Lord, I entrust to you my husband and this interview that he dreads. » Friends we wanted to call but the day went by too quickly? “Lord, I entrust them to you. »
For Claire, each small event of the day ultimately provides an opportunity to pray. “God feels concerned about everything,” assures Claire de Féligonde. Saint Paul says in fact: “Pray without ceasing”. It seems impossible, difficult, to say the least ambitious. “But Saint Paul is right! », exclaims the young woman. “It’s my mother’s breathing, and when I get there, it’s wonderful. This does not make me a perfect mother or wife, far from it, but with Jesus by my side, I am in my place, I do not lack love. Whatever the events, I know I am saved, loved, accompanied. »
