PERSISTENT PRAYER

2020 was a year like no other for our personal lives, for our community and for the world. But despite all the unfulfilled plans, God remained faithful and generous to us in every way. Looking back at the previous year, what is your greatest answered prayer from the Lord?

“Pray always without becoming weary.” - Luke 18:1

In Luke 18, we read about the parable of the persistent widow which speaks to us about the value of perseverance in prayer.

Yes, God already knows what we need even without us asking him. But God still wants us to come to him because it brings about an enhancement of our relationship with him. Asking Jesus allows us to have more knowledge of a total dependence upon him. We need to be persevering and persistent in coming to Jesus for this will cultivate in us a greater gratitude when he does finally answer our prayers.

Let us pray every day. Let us pray without ceasing. If we are to be kept from falling away from the faith, we need prayer. Prayer is communication with God. It is communing with God. It is a dialogue with God that strengthens our resolve that through it all, he is our portion and our hope.

Prayer is crucial if we are to grow deeper in our faith. We may not automatically get what we pray for but being in communion with God changes our hearts and prepares us for what only He can give.

We are destined for eternal joy with our Father in heaven. Through prayer, we are brought to a right relationship with God. We are properly humbled as we contemplate on the power and glory of God, and our own nothingness. Let us never forget that God gives everyone what is their due. He will give us what is for us in His time and in His way.

For discussion, answer the following questions:

1. How is my prayer life today? Do I still pray with my spouse and with my family?

2. What is my heart’s deepest prayer/s this 2021 for myself, for my spouse, for my family and for my mission? Be clear and specific.

Commit to being consistent in your personal prayer time with the Lord in the coming weeks. Lift up to Him all the intentions that you shared in the household and in an act of hope, claim God’s will for your deepest desires. Finally, make sure to pray the holy rosary with your family that your love and communion with God may be sustained and strengthened. Nothing is ever impossible for one who prays in the name of the Lord!