May the Lord give you grace and peace in the Holy Spirit during this Lent.
It is on 02nd March 2023. We reflect on Esther 4:17 and Matthew 7:7-12.
Why do need to pray? Can we be Christians without prayer?
The readings are from Esther 14:1, 3-4, 11, 13-14 and the Gospel from Mt. 7:7-12. The first reading is a powerful prayer of Queen Esther who put the entire trust in the Lord. “Now help me O God, I am alone and have no one but you.” (Est.14:3).
Prayer made from the deep recess of our hearts is so pleasing to God. God was with Esther because of her commitment to prayer to the Lord. We can face any enemy within ourselves and outside through the unshakable commitment in our prayer. The Responsorial Psalm gives us the assurance that God hears our prayer, “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.” (Ps.138:3a).
The Gospel encourages us to pray with love. Jesus wants us to be persistent in our prayers. We do not need to give up on prayer when God takes the time to answer. In our prayer, we need to ask God daily for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding. Our prayers are not granted when we ask for “snakes” in prayer instead of bread. God hears our prayer when we ask what is good for us. We can ask God our Father for our needs in prayer and God grants us ungrudgingly and generously. As our earthly caregivers are kind, so God is much more consistent in His kindness.
Christian life without prayer is inconceivable. Prayer is not about asking, talking, and reporting but it constantly building a right and fruitful relationship with God. Acknowledging God’s presence and being aware of the promptings of the Spirit of God is the completion of the prayer. God knows and gives the best in prayer.
Prayer is answered when there is love and acts of mercy involved. It is in our personal initiatives of love and acts of mercy towards others, we are attended to by God in our prayers. May you have a good day.