As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, "Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God" (CCC 2559). In other words, prayer is a relationship.

In the midst of the noise and busyness of daily life, how can you maintain that relationship with the Lord? How can you pray throughout the day?

Look to Jesus' own example. Throughout the Gospels our Lord went off to pray alone, but He also prayed in the midst of His busy public ministry and even while on the cross.

Jesus shows us that prayer—like a relationship—takes many forms and styles. Yes, it can include taking quiet time to still our mind and heart to focus exclusively on the Lord. But it can also be as simple as a quick turning of the mind and heart to the Lord as we go about our busy lives.

So invite the Lord to walk with you in the midst of life's noise and activity.

Some practical ways to start include:

• Invoking the name of the Lord verbally or mentally ("Come, Lord Jesus," "Come Holy Spirit," etc.).
• Finding time to get away during the day to read a few lines of Scripture or the daily Mass Readings.
• Finding some things throughout the day that remind you of God's presence with you (whether in nature, in the company of a friend or family member, or even in the enjoyment of a good cup of coffee, etc.).

Whatever you decide to do, keep this question in mind: Does it help me remember the Lord's presence, and does it bring me closer to Him?

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