Keep praying!

It has been said that evil forces have toppled before the power of prayer.  One of the great saints of the early Church, James, Bishop of Nisibis in the Middle East, by his faith, pure love, and prayer, averted on two occasions the attacks of enemies bent on destroying the city. St. Augustine says regarding his mother, who never ceased to pray for his conversion, that a holy man told her (St. Monica) that it was “impossible that the son of these tears should perish” And indeed he, Augustine, went on to be one of the greatest saints of all time.

In the first reading, Abraham gives us an example of prayer to God for compassion. There’s a lovely intention of the Divine Office, where it states that graces were given “when holy pastors prayed”. Personally I consider it essential in my ministry to intercede for those I serve in the Church, and for all kinds of people.

Jesus in the Gospel underlines the value of persevering, prayer. The answer may be delayed, but God is faithful, and never leaves prayer unanswered, perhaps not in the ways we would like. People, situations, issues can be transformed through prayer and good efforts also on our part. We can receive God’s strength to cope with matters that seem beyond us.

We pray the Our Father with great trust. We ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit above all else.

Fr. Eamon Flanagan, C.M.

29th July, 2007