Do Prayers Matter?

 

I’ve seen and written about personal prayers which I have seen answered, and have a strong confidence that some others were answered also --- or will be, even if I am not sure when, or how.  But I am sure of why: God doesn’t ignore us, or our sincere prayers.

The feast day of the first martyr for his Christian faith, Saint Stephen, was celebrated on December 26th.  I don’t know the history of why that date was picked for the celebration, but to me it does make perfect sense.  In two consecutive dates we celebrate being born to and dying for the Christian faith.  Saint Stephen’s dying words, as written at the end of Chapter 7 in the Acts of the Apostles, were to ask God to forgive those who were stoning him to death.  And those final words were read at the mass on his feast day, the day after Christmas. Except, ---

There was one more sentence in Chapter 7 of Acts, which was not read at mass and I think is most important.  That final sentence in Acts mentions that Saul was there at the stoning of Stephen.  So, the final TWO sentences of Chapter 7 tell us that St. Stephen was praying to God for forgiveness of Saul, among others.  And then it is only a short time later in Acts when we read in Chapter 9 how Saul was struck down off his horse by God, --- and his whole life was going to change.  Saul was about to become St. Paul.

St. Stephen’s final prayer was dramatically answered by God --- in ways Stephen never could have imagined.

There are many things to consider in those two sentences.  Saint Stephen, in great agony, did not pray for evil to be done to his slayers, as he might instinctively have done.  He did obey the call to “love your enemies.” And, while we now know that his final prayer was answered, Saint Stephen never lived to see that answer.  But Saint Stephen trusted in God, even to his death.

Jesus said that if we prayed with trust, we could move mountains.  I have seen some of my prayers answered in ways that I treasure more than any moved mountains.  I know God hears me when I pray, and I try to listen to Him.  And sometimes I go to His house, and we just silently sit together, and that’s the best prayer.    

Prayers matter.  God always hears.

Review: Let Him Lead

 

“An Invitation to Let Jesus Guide Your Heart and Your Life.”

I was given a copy of this book by the author, in thanksgiving for my support of his religious order, The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, started by my friend Fr. Benedict Groessel.  It was a wonderful gift.

Fr. Jeremiah created this book of 27 reflections based on the daily homilies he gave to a small group of sisters over 3 years.  I love this book, and it re-enforced many of my thoughts and prayers, driving Jesus deeper into my heart.

“We live with the illusion that our life is actually ours.  What have you that you did not receive? (1Cor4:7)   St Paul is alluding to a paradox that lies at the heart of the Gospel.  If we really want to enjoy our life and to love our families, and friends, then we must, to put it biblically, love them less, than God, and stop grasping at them in hope that they can satisfy us.  It is only in this way that we can come to appreciate them most fully.” (Chapter 4, Hating Our Life)

“Our relationship with God is a journey, primarily a journey of purification of our selfishness so as to love others, and especially God, selflessly.” (Ch 13, Love is a Journey)

“The place God reveals Himself most regularly is our normal life. … One of the greatest experiences in this life is being surprised by God, in this present moment.  Every one of us has had these experiences. … In the quiet recesses of our hearts we become aware, for a moment, of God’s presence.  Experiences of God’s presence in our ordinary life … are purely gifts of God’s grace.  There is nothing we can do to make these experiences happen.  The experiences are among the greatest that we can have in life. They remind us that our lives and God are not two separate realities.  The greatest sign of a mature spiritual life is a maturing life, a life where we are becoming more loving, patient, and forgiving, and where we are more willing to trust God beyond what we can see.”  (Ch 19, God is Now)

 

There are many thought-provoking words in this book.  The very short chapters took much time reading, reflecting, and talking to Jesus while in the chapel.  This book was a wonderful gift and will be one of mine to others this Christmas.

A Surprise Present for Jesus

 

I probably wrote about this in the past but bear with me, I mean, it IS supposed to be a surprise. 

A number of years back, the young daughter of a friend was excited about Christmas plans at her house, and happily told them to me.  At a certain point I asked her: You do know whose birthday it is, don’t you?  Jesus, she responded.  And then I asked her if she had ever received a birthday present that was a complete surprise to her, and she readily said yes and gave examples.  So, I then asked her: “What could you give Jesus on His birthday that would be a delightful surprise to Him?”  She paused, then said she’d have to think about that.

Today a friend texted me that she would not be at the adoration chapel this afternoon at the time I usually see her there.  She has relatives in for a few days, and they are exchanging Christmas gifts today.  I responded that she shouldn’t forget whose birthday it is, and plan on a gift for Him also.  Her text back said that she has already offered up her life to Him.  And this time it was me who paused in response.

But later, in the adoration chapel, I said my daily prayers for the poor souls in Purgatory, and the thought came to me that God delights in these souls being released perhaps a bit sooner because of the prayers we offered.  So I texted back to my friend that perhaps she could say a rosary on  Christmas Day for the intention of a single soul to get to heaven that day, which perhaps would not but for her prayers.  I thought that would make Jesus happy on His birthday, and  He could offer the unexpected arrival of that soul in heaven to the Father, as a gift made possible by His cross and her rosary prayer.  My friend liked that idea.

And thinking of the powerful impact of prayers, some of which I’ve shown here, that idea really excites me too.  A surprise birthday present for Jesus!  Wow!