“Ask a Priest: What If I Became Impatient During Prayer?”

Q: In the midst of our night prayers, I was exhausted and got frustrated that my husband was reading the prayers really slow, and so I read the prayers a little fast-paced instead. I felt bad because he had a hard time catching up. Am I being insensitive and impatient? Have I committed a sin that needs to be confessed? – A.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: The fact that you are asking whether you showed impatience and insensitivity seems to indicate that you already know what the answer is.

It sounds like a venial sin at most, which could be remitted through prayer or almsgiving or worthy reception of Communion, etc. Strictly speaking, venial sins don’t have to be confessed in the sacrament of reconciliation, though it’s helpful to do so (see Catechism No. 1458).

It’s not uncommon for the devil to make a special effort to distract us in the middle of prayer. And if he can cause tension in a marriage at the same, all the better, from his point of view (remember Ephesians 4:26, “Do not let the sun set on your anger”).

Perhaps it’s good to realize that praying at your husband’s pace, even if it feels awkward, could be part of the prayer you offer up. Since patience is costly for you at that moment, it could be a very meritorious gesture.

That you are praying with your husband is a beautiful thing. You want to keep that habit up as best you can.

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