Don't give up asking: a quick exercise in prayer

Thursday, October 06, 2016

Today’s Gospel passage for Mass, Luke 11:5-13, contains some of the most encouraging words of Our Lord Jesus Christ, words that we need to be continually reminded of because we tend to forget, or to doubt, or to deny:

. . . ask and you will receive;

seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.

So why not move away from the paper or the screen and close your eyes, and ask for those things which you have forgotten to ask for, those things which you have given up asking for, the things you don’t think you are worthy to ask for, or those things which you feel are barred to you forever. Take Jesus at his word: ask, seek, find. Please do it now . . .

. . . . .

Very good. Now if you took the time to do this little exercise, then you will have practiced lectio divina at its best. (lectio divina is a particular way of praying with the scriptures and is practiced regularly by monks and members of many other religious orders.)

Just a couple of suggestions for you now:

·         Some things take time, and we are impatient.

·         Some things are part of an on-going process and we have to observe it and see it through to its end;

·         Some things may take a lifetime to be realized.

·         Many of things we ask for are given to us, but often at a time or in a manner which we didn’t think of ourselves or which we would rather not have chosen. So pray also that you may have the wisdom to keep your eyes open that you may see the wonders of God’s work in your life, today especially, and always.

·         In all things, trust and patience are essential. If either of these is lacking, then pray for an increase and make that a part of your regular prayer as well.

God bless you today and always!