Our Sweet Mother
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I've been thinking about prayer and how we feel when we don't get what we want.
"What's the point?" we ask, if our prayers don't elicit a response, or specifically, the response we are asking for.
We might even conclude that if we don't have the ability to manipulate change, or God, when we pray, then why bother?
We may even just give up on the idea of prayer altogether, feeling like we're just putting our petitions out into the universe where no one is listening.
A couple of things to remember, when we get frustrated by prayer . . .
For one thing, prayer helps us come into union with God, in his communion of persons--Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Also, our prayers should be pure. Let's not pray to win the lottery. Let's ask God for something we really need or for the needs of others. Let's ask for his will to be done.
But, what if we are praying for a true good--something God himself would want (like someone coming back to the Church)--and nothing happens?
What then?
What if we've done everything right and we still get radio silence from God?
At that point, we have an opportunity to practice humility. To remember that the act of praying is a statement that we believe in God and trust him. To remember that we are the created, not the Creator.
It is an opportunity to pray for God's timing and his will, not ours. It's not what we can get out of our relationship with him. That's not what prayer is about.
I remember praying for something I wanted really bad many years ago and it didn't happen. Now, many years later, I can see why God in his wisdom held back on my desire.
I often do not understand--in the moment--what God is doing (or not doing), but the most important thing for me is to remember that God is present in the moment and allowing me to go through whatever I am dealing with.
That waiting in humility and trusting in his silence is a perfect chance to grow closer to God and to replace my own desire with the desire for his will.
Our wills should be aligned, mine to his, not his to mine.
Prayer is an act of love, and God wants nothing more than for us to draw near to him. Never give up on prayer, for to do so, is to give up on God.
Pray for peace and an end to war.
Janet Cassidy
Email me at: jmctm2@gmail.com
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I am a Catholic blogger who holds an M.A. in theology from Augustine Institute. I have worked in Catholic ministry as a Catechist, Pastoral Associate, Director of (parish) Adult Formation, Director of RCIA/Religious Education and am a Lay Ecclesial Minister. I am a former radio show host and former columnist for The Catholic Times. I have been married for over 40 years; my husband and I have three adult children whom we homeschooled. I am passionate about sharing God's Word as a speaker and writer, wherever God leads me.
