FAITH: S. Heart’s Graham finds prayer, meditation time

Prayer is a discipline all Christians need to work at. Time in prayer is time spent in conversation with God, and it is usually during those times when people discern God’s call on their life.

For Sacred Heart senior Ben Graham, time for prayer and meditiation is something he makes sure to set aside each week.

“I always spend time in prayer,” Graham said. “We say a prayer pretty much before every class, and we go to Mass three times a week. It is a time to draw closer to God and connect with Him for his will for my life.”

Time set aside for prayer and meditation can help relieve stress and clear Graham’s mind, especially before a basketball game.

“Before every game, I try to find a place in my house to have quiet time,” Graham said. “Sometimes that is just listening to white noise on the way to a game. It gives my mind time to relax, and anything that is bothering me, I just let it go.”

He also tries to show his faith on the basketball court, and he believes his faith helps him on the court.

“A lot of people think that in order to be good at sports, you have to leave morals behind and do whatever it takes to learn the sport,” Graham said. “I believe that you should hold on to your values and be kind to other people. Hold onto the values that Christianity teaches because it teaches you to be a team leader and play with composure. I believe my faith helps me on the court in a lot of ways.”

Graham sees God as more than just a creator.

“I usually look at God as someone who has a specific plan for me, someone who cares about me as an individual beyond as a creator,” he said. “I know a lot of people just see him as a creator that created the world, and if you don’t do the right things, God will send you to hell. But I look at him as someone who has a plan for me to help me find happiness here on earth before I get to heaven.”

Graham attends St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and he has his entire life. He was an altar server through middle school, takes communion to his grandparents and participates in fundraisers.

“In day-to-day life, I try to be kind to strangers and give a helping hand if there is the opportunity,” Graham said.

Feeling God’s presence is something that Graham says is constant.

“I have never felt a time when God was not with me, even in the tough times,” Graham said. “I have a lot to be thankful for in my life.”

When those tough times come, Graham looks to the story of Job in the Bible.

“Usually when things are tough, I think about Job and his story,” he said. “Even when you are doing everything right and things can’t go your way, God still has a plan for you. I always look at that story during the tough times and know things can be a lot worse.”

Michael Odom, 425-9754

Ben Graham’s favorite verse

2 Corinthians 4:16 – For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day.