If OK with you, could you give scriptural or other text about why it's important to pray out-loud with others? My husband prays silently to himself, but won't pray out-loud with the family.

Many Thanks and Prayers for Your Important Work, Margie

I do not have a Scriptural verse for this but suggest that this is more a matter of a common male characteristic--including devote Catholic men. Men tend to be comfortable with rituals, such as the structure of the Mass--but many are not comfortable with interior things--spirituality or non-ritual prayer. I suggest possibly using a more ritual form of prayer such as the Rosary, which is "safer" for men, but do not push him on this or anything spontaneous. It is simply a matter of the differences between men and women. Even many priests are not comfortable outside of rituals, such as the Mass and other Sacraments. So understand and do not push too hard. Again, sometimes the Rosary is a safe "ritual" form of prayer that a father can participate in with his family.

Thanks, Margie

Father Echert

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