Journey to Resurrection

Guest - February 26, 2021

 

We Are Called to Prayer

Our journey to resurrection this week focuses on prayer.  What is prayer and why pray?  Prayer is simply an invitation from God to spend time with Him, to be in His presence, to deepen our relationship with Him. Just like any relationship, if we do not nurture that relationship it dwindles and soon it is no more.

It is not always easy to enter into prayer in our busy lives, excuses abound. We need to consciously set aside a prayer time and stick to it. Realize there is no set formula for prayer. It is for each individual to decide. Is your prayer traditional, using formulated prayers such as the Rosary or is it praying in your own words? Is it praying with scripture, is it meditation or contemplation or simply sitting in silence in the presence of God?

Whatever method we choose for prayer, know that God is always listening. It is also important for us to be still and to listen for God to answer. Let us open our hearts rather than our intellects, and thus experience his unconditional love for us. Prayer brings us solace and peace. In prayer, we are never alone. It is as if God is there for us and no one else.

We are not the only ones needing to pray. Jesus prayed constantly to the Father for guidance and strength to carry out His mission. Remember like Jesus we can pray anywhere. For his prayer Jesus went to the desert, the mountain, the garden, the seaside, the hills, because God hears us wherever we pray.  Set aside just five minutes each day to be in the presence of God and know He is with you.

Reflections

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Jeremiah 29: 12

“When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen.”

James 5:13

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”

 

- Sharon Di Fruscia