“Whoever has not begun the practice of prayer, I beg for the love of the Lord not to go without so great a good. There is nothing here to fear but only something to desire.”
St. Teresa of Avila
Much of scripture is prayer – the psalms, the canticles, the many quotes that we can lift up as our own prayers, just as they are. Today’s readings are all about prayer. The Old Testament reading recounts Abraham’s wonderful dialogue with the Lord, interceding for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which are threatened with destruction for their sins. Beginning with a request to spare the cities if 50 good men are found within them, Abraham eventually succeeds in exacting a promise from God to spare the offending cities for the sake of just 10 innocent men. Persistent prayer, answered!
In the Gospel reading, Jesus instructs us how to pray, teaching us the words of The Lord’s Prayer. He also encourages his disciples to be persistent in prayer, telling the story of the tired man who at first refuses to answer his friend’s knock on the door at midnight, but eventually gets up - if only because of his friend’s persistence. Finally, Jesus gives us the hopeful promise, “Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Whether our prayers are for someone else, for our own needs, or in praise and gratitude, we can be sure we are heard by God. But as we all know, prayers are not always answered in the way we expect. Jesus also tells us a little about that, saying that the Father will give good things to those who ask – the best thing being the gift of the Holy Spirit. So we must surrender our will to His. God knows what will ultimately draw us closer to Him, and to eternal peace and joy.
Sometimes, you may not feel His presence; you may wonder if your prayers are heard. But be persistent. Take time each day for prayer and conversation with Him. God is listening. He loves you and hears every prayer of your heart. He is with you always. Trust in Him.
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