Prayer Power

The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080314.cfm) reminds me how important and powerful prayer is.

In the first reading, we see God inviting us to come to him so he can fill us and take care of our needs. The second reading reminds us that nothing can separate us from God and his love. In the gospel we see Jesus putting these together – coming to God in prayer and doing his part to be nearer and closer to God through prayer.

Prayer is powerful.

In the gospel, when Jesus learned about the death of John the Baptist, he turned to prayer to mourn and grieve. He knew that in prayer, he would feel and be reminded of God’s comfort during the difficult time. And when people came to him, he turned to prayer to accomplish something great – to feed thousands of people. He knew how powerful prayer is.

The same prayer Jesus prays is the same prayer we can pray.

Whether the concern is to deal with loneliness, grief, or depression, or to accomplish great tasks in God’s name, we can turn to prayer for help. In prayer, we get closer to God. We get more intimate with God. And we become more and more like him – inheriting his love, power and blessing as we go about everyday.

May we be reminded how powerful prayer is, and inspired to use and develop it in our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to rest and spend time with you and my loved ones. Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer. Thank you that my hotline to you is always open, that my hotline to you is always free. Lord, I am sorry for the many times I take prayer for granted. Give me a heart that would desire nothing more than to be one with you in constant prayer. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-