Kathleen T. Choi: Right out loud

I once thought that silent prayer was the best prayer — no requests, no words, just a quiet lifting of the soul to her Maker. Then I read about indulgences and the spiritual practices connected with them. The rosary is listed with the instruction to pray aloud. Audible prayers are recommended for Stations of the Cross as well. Indulgences are also associated with ancient prayers like the “Tantum Ergo” or “Veni Creator” — when recited out loud.

So, maybe silent prayer isn’t always the superior prayer. Maybe there is also purpose and blessing in saying our prayers out loud.

One benefit is to help us concentrate. I have to pray aloud at night. Otherwise, my sleepy mind drifts away. Morning prayers also go better if I pray aloud. That helps keep my soul focused on God when my tummy wants breakfast.

The rosary is meant to be prayed aloud. Saying the words clearly and reverently slows our breathing and settles our superficial thoughts as our fingers count off the beads. Meanwhile, at a deeper level, we meditate on the holy Mysteries. I couldn’t divide my mind to both think 10 Hail Marys and think about the Annunciation without getting hopelessly off track. I need to say Mary is full of grace.

I like to recite all our traditional prayers out loud. They’re so familiar that my impulse is to rattle them off. There’s not much value to “ourfatherwhoartinheaven.” Speech, though, is slower than thought, and I can hear if I’m still going too fast.

Praying out loud clarifies my prayers. I have occasionally agreed to pray for an hour for an Engaged Encounter weekend. That taught me just how long 60 minutes can be! It also forced me to dig deeper into what I desire for these young couples and what I desire for my own marriage. I found myself talking to God about the obstacles to a successful marriage, how society supports (or hinders) traditional marriage and how the church responds pastorally to her divorced and gay children.

I try to read aloud the daily Mass Scripture. Otherwise, 10 minutes later, I’ve forgotten what they said. On my best days, I read the lessons a verse or two at a time. I pause to think about the words and offer any petitions or thanks that come to mind. Then I move on to the next verse. It’s a slow but powerful way to impress the words on my heart.

If I won a lottery, you’d hear my squeals on another island. It’s hard to praise or rejoice silently, and that includes prayers of thanksgiving. I’ve noticed that reciting the psalms aloud stimulates gratitude. Psalms 95 (“Come let us sing unto the Lord”) and 100 (“Oh be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands”) always lift my spirits.

Jesus warned his disciples not to make a public display of their praying. Once we’re alone, however, we can pray in whatever way is honest and sincere.

On Holy Thursday, Christ prayed formally with his disciples. Then he and his closest friends withdrew to a secluded garden. He asked them to remain nearby while he prayed. Sometimes he knelt; sometimes he fell on his face. Sometimes he was quiet. Sometimes, he prayed so loudly that his friends heard every word.

That night is a good model for our prayer life. Sometimes we pray together as church, other times with family or friends, and often alone. Sometimes we speak aloud; sometimes we just sit quietly with God. Anytime, we know our Father hears us and that these conversations are as precious to him as they are to us.