"Therefore you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your souls, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children."
Deuteronomy 6: 5-7
What is drilled into our children's hearts? In this translation it's difficult for me to come up with a more powerful inspiring word, because drilling at my first thought suggests being forcefully inserted. Put another way, a drill is something I have practiced in sports and I remember how important it was to practice these drills every day to increase dexterity. My son had shoulder surgery and he is dutifully using the "drills" or physical therapy techniques they've showed him, and drill by drill he is increasng his strength and his recovery has been speedy.
So what are some prayer drills? Here's some ideas for you, and reminders for me, because I admit I have been lax. Place some holy water by the door for the ones on the way out and remind them on the way insdie they can also make the sign of the cross on themselves with it. Or put a cross or holy picture they can touch before leaving. Set a note or two on the mirror with a scripture verse or even an encouraging word or drawing. Have a new signature on your email with a favorite verse or quote from a saint.
These are the drills we can practice each and every day for greater spiritual dexterity and the ability to handle whatever life brings us knowing whose hands we are really in. Oh, and if there are smudgy fingerprints, like I've noticed at my house, on the walls or on that cross or holy picture, thank God for such a good sign that the holy objects are actually being touched. :D
