Practice makes perfect

There's a popular theory that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at something. In other words, it's true—practice makes perfect.

Usually, whether it's learning an instrument, picking up a new language, or entering a professional field, there's a clear distinction between practice and the real thing. Practicing piano at home feels different from performing on stage. Using a language app isn’t the same as navigating conversations in a foreign country. Likewise, taking classes or writing papers is far removed from the experience of actually working in the field.

This idea of practice applies to prayer, too—but with some profound differences.

In one sense, the 10,000-hour rule is relevant to the spiritual life. We might ask, what does it even mean to be an "expert" in prayer? That's a deep question, one to unpack another day. But the time frame is something to consider: 10,000 hours. Growing in holiness isn’t an overnight transformation. It's not like we pray the Rosary once and suddenly achieve mystic level holiness.

Secondly, the line between "practice" and "the real thing" is less distinct in the spiritual life. In prayer, our daily routine may feel like practice, but it’s also where the stakes are real. Each day, we have the opportunity to "practice" turning to the Lord in thanksgiving, surrender, trust, and love. And yet, that isn’t just practice—that’s also our encounter with God, happening right now.

Daily prayer equips us for life's unexpected moments—the surprises, the challenges that catch us off guard. When those moments come, it’s our daily practice that enables us to respond with faith. By showing up each day, we prepare ourselves to rise to the occasion when it truly counts.