Reflection on Prayer
Prayer is traditionally viewed as one of
the ways to deepen our relationships with God. However, at times it can feel
that we are having a one side conversation and unsure if the message is being
received. This can be especially hard for many of us as our busy lives and
minds are constantly bombarded receiving, processing and interpreting
information. It's not easy for us to find a moment to step into a reflective
mode and still feel that anything is happening.
Most people when they pray ask God for something. Asking
God for these things acknowledges our dependence on God- in many ways for everything.
Through the Gospel, we see Jesus taking time deliberately to go off and pray.
We can especially see this leading up to Jesus' death. In Mark 14:32-42, Jesus
enters the Garden of Gethsemane with Peter and James to pray. While praying
Jesus finds Peter and James sleeping instead of praying three times.
Even though sometimes we can fall asleep in the sounds of silence,
God does answer prayers. Although we may not get the answer we want, that is
because God answered in a better way. Of course, one needs to be open to God's
answer not just what you are expecting. The season of Lent provides many of us
with that wake-up call.
Prayer can take many forms whether that is praying a set
prayer, reading scripture, or just being in the presence of God. Whether 5
seconds, 5 mins or 5 hours- God hears us! As St. Ignatius Loyola summarized " We
must speak to God as a friend speaks to his friend, servant to his master; now
asking some favour, now acknowledging our faults and communication to Him all
that concerns us, our thoughts, our fears, our projects, our desires and in all
things, seeking His counsel."
Almighty and every living God, you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent. May this be one of outward focus; seeking you in those we often ignore. Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity and encounter. Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give. Amen. Author Unknown
------Sarah Stanton
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