Prayer is the heart of the Christian faith for many believers. It is the connection to God, the source of strength in daily life, and the space where we bring our deepest thoughts and feelings before God. But how does a spiritual leader cultivate his personal prayer life? We spoke with Bishop Franz Jung of Würzburg, who gave us a rare glimpse into his prayer practice. For him, prayer is not just a duty but the most important thing in the Christian life—a conviction he shares with many faithful.
In a world marked by hustle and noise, the silence of prayer often becomes a challenge. Bishop Jung emphasizes that it's not about perfect wording but about sincere turning to God. "God knows our hearts before we speak a word," he quotes Psalm 139:4. This certainty brings freedom and encourages us to simply be ourselves in prayer.
The Daily Prayer Routine
Bishop Jung begins his day with a fixed prayer rhythm. Early in the morning, before the demands of the day begin, he retreats to his chapel. This time of silence is sacred to him. He reads the Scripture readings for the day and meditates on them. He often uses the NIV Bible, whose language he finds accessible.
In addition to Scripture reading, the Liturgy of the Hours is part of his daily practice. This liturgical prayer, said at set times, connects him with the worldwide church. "In the Liturgy of the Hours, I don't pray alone but with the whole community of believers," he explains. This dimension of communal prayer, even when done in one's own room, is especially important to him.
The Significance of the Lord's Prayer
A central prayer that Bishop Jung prays repeatedly is the Lord's Prayer. It is the prayer that Jesus himself taught his disciples. "In the Lord's Prayer, everything we need is included: worship, petition for forgiveness, intercession for others, and hope for the kingdom of God," he says. He prays it slowly and deliberately, word by word, to delve into the depth of each petition.
Especially the phrase "Your will be done" is important to him. It reminds him that prayer is not about convincing God of our plans but about opening ourselves to his plan. This attitude of surrender permeates his entire prayer life.
Challenges in Prayer
Like every Christian, Bishop Jung also knows times of dryness in prayer. There are days when words won't flow and silence feels oppressive. In such moments, he advises not to give up. "Stick with it, even when it's hard. God is present even in the silence," he encourages. He himself often uses short prayers from the Bible, such as "Lord, have mercy" or the cry "My Lord and my God!"
Another challenge is distraction. Thoughts about appointments, worries, or everyday matters intrude into prayer. Bishop Jung suggests not fighting these thoughts but incorporating them into prayer. "Bring everything before God—your worries, your joys, your to-do list. Nothing is too small for God's attention," he says. In this way, prayer becomes an honest dialogue that encompasses the whole of life.
Practical Tips for a Fulfilling Prayer Life
When asked what he would recommend to other Christians for their prayer life, Bishop Jung mentions three concrete points:
- Choose a fixed place and time: Create a prayer corner that invites you to be still. Whether morning or evening, regularity helps prayer become a habit.
- Use the Bible as a prayer book: Read a psalm or a passage from the Gospels and let the words inspire you.
- Don't give up during difficult times: Prayer isn't always easy, but persistence bears fruit.
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