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Reflection for Sunday 07/25/10

READINGS
First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32
Second Reading: Colossians 2:12-14
Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

REFLECTION:
When the apostles asked Jesus to teach them how to pray Jesus taught them the “Our Father”, a prayer which Christians have cherished ever since. He then went on to tell them of a man who knocked on his neighbor’s door at midnight seeking bread for unexpected guests. Jesus commented that the neighbor would probably give his friend the bread in response to his friend’s persistence rather than because of the strength of their friendship. Jesus seems to be suggesting that we should persist in our petitions to God. Is this in the hope that we will change God’s mind or is it we who may change? Is the repetition a means to clarify for ourselves what we need or want? Perhaps persistence opens us to do our part in solving the dilemma we are praying over. Our willingness to stay committed to prayer strengthens our faith in our Almighty Father. It reinforces our awareness of our dependence on God. Prayer requires persistent trust in God who forgives us time and again, who offers only the good to us and who loves us without limitation. How blessed we are!

1. Have your most recent prayers been prayers of praise, petition, or sorrow? Which kind of prayer to you need to practice more often?
2. What are you most thankful for right now?

PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, teach me how to pray. Help me to come to you, humble, hopeful, trusting in your merciful goodness. Send the Holy Spirit to guide me as I pray. Amen