Reflection
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them
to pray always without becoming weary.
Luke 18:1-7
We live now in a world that offers us quick answers to our problems along with quick responses to our needs. Our needs and wants can be fulfilled in no time at all. Products can be purchased with a few strokes on computer keyboards. We can instantly pay for them with credit cards. Our world has shaped us into being impatient people. Amidst all of this, prayer is a last resort in times of difficulty. According to the story, prayer is not meant to be an isolated act. Consistency, perseverance, and steadfastness are needed and these shown by persistent prayer and a sustained connection with God.
Prayer
Lord, teach us to pray.
Action
Reflect on your own habits of prayer. When do you pray? How important is time for reflection to you?
Suggested Reading
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?
Luke 18:1-7
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Ephesians 6:18
Miracles happen. But prayer is needed! Prayer that is courageous, struggling and persevering, not prayer that is a mere formality.
Pope Francis
Prayer is an act of love; words are not needed. Even if sickness distracts from thoughts, all that is needed is the will to love.
Saint Teresa of Avila
Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them.
Mahalia Jackson
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
Mahatma Gandhi
Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.
Soren Kierkegaard
True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Charles Spurgeon
Prayer begins where human capacity ends.
Marian Anderson
The desire is thy prayers; and if thy desire is without ceasing, thy prayer will also be without ceasing. The continuance of your longing is the continuance of your prayer.
Saint Augustine
I believe that prayer is our powerful contact with the greatest force in the universe.
Loretta Young