The Power of Pause: Why Pope Leo XIV's July Prayer Intention is Exactly What We Need

Pope Leo XIV has a powerful message for us this July 2025, and it's a message that deeply resonates with the struggles we face in our fast-paced world. His prayer intention, shared in a video from the Vatican, invites us to pray for the wisdom to choose the right path and to turn away from anything that pulls us from Christ.

Listening to God's Gentle Voice

The Holy Father emphasizes the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in guiding our decisions. He prays that we learn to truly listen to God's gentle voice. When we take the time to listen, he explains, we begin to "discern the hidden paths of our hearts" and understand what truly matters to God.

This isn't just about big, life-altering choices. It's about the daily moments, the subtle nudges, and the quiet reflections that shape who we become.

The Grace to Pause

Pope Leo’s prayer continues with a profound request: "I ask you for the grace to learn how to pause." He asks us to become aware of our actions, the feelings within us, and the thoughts that often overwhelm us without us even noticing.

Pope Leo XIV during general audience

Think about that for a moment. How often do we truly pause in our day? In a world of constant notifications, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to always be "on," the act of pausing feels almost revolutionary. Yet, it's in these moments of quiet reflection that we gain clarity.

Discernment: A Missing Piece in Our World

This invitation from our Holy Father highlights something profoundly important that's often lacking today: the capacity to discern and make good, life-affirming decisions.

So much of the chaos and pain we see around us – from global conflicts to personal struggles – stems from a lack of careful reflection and a reluctance to allow a higher wisdom to guide us. We see it tragically in ongoing wars where lives are lost daily, yet leaders struggle to see that the path of conflict only leads to more suffering and no true victors. There's a failure to discern that the consequences of war are always devastating.

The Impact of Good Decisions

The ability to discern is vital in every aspect of our lives – whether it's our personal choices, professional challenges, marital relationships, or family dynamics. It helps us know what to embrace and what to avoid. As the old saying wisely reminds us, "look before you leap."

Daily meditations can help us make better decisions

What truly matters isn't just the actions we take, but their consequences. If we truly consider how our choices will impact human lives – our own and those around us – we would undoubtedly approach decisions with greater care and wisdom.

Embracing the Invitation

Let's embrace this profound invitation from Pope Leo XIV. Let's commit to cultivating the habit of pausing, truly listening for guidance, and seeking the Holy Spirit's wisdom in all our choices. Imagine the peace, clarity, and positive change we could bring to our lives and to the world if we all adopted this practice.

I'm the Shrine Master, and I encourage you to keep following for more reflections that can help us on our journey of faith and discernment. 

What's one area in your life where you could benefit from a greater sense of discernment?