It is 9th March 2017. We celebrate the memorial of St. Frances of Rome. The readings are from Esther 4:1, 3-5, 12-14 ; and the Gospel from Matthew 7:7-12. The first reading illustrates the power of our personal prayer. God grants us the grace to listen to God’s voice in our personal yearnings and deep longings expressed in our personal prayer. Many of us are very good in making others to pray but we do not pray enough to protect and to be guided by the Holy Spirit. We ask someone to pray but we do not pray enough most of the times. Prayer is the expressions of heart in deep silence. It is nothing to do with just reading a set of prayers and novenas to impress others to recognize ourselves as praying people. God hears all our personal prayers when it is prayed with our spirit and expressed through our hearts. Vocal prayers are very good when we are praying as a community and it is very necessary for the existence and sustenance of any spiritual community. “As for ourselves, save us by your hand, and come to my help, for I am alone and have no one but you, Lord.” (Esther 4:17). The responsorial Psalm prays, “On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.” (Ps.137:3). The Gospel teaches the power of intercessory prayers. God answers all our prayers as God wants it not the way we always wish to have it. God will never give something that will make us to be unsuccessful. God gives everything that is good for us for the entire welfare of ourselves without hurting the other. In fact, God offers us more than we ask in our prayers. We are so blind to notice because we are very sad about what we required was not given. To have a peaceful and fruitful prayer life, we must lead a life in peace and respect to the other persons no matter howsoever evil and selfish they could be. When we treat others respectfully, God respects us and offers all our prayers. The prayers are delayed or withheld because we are not at peace with one another. We can never be heard in the presence of God, when we are at logger heads with the other here on earth. God opens every door for the one who is willing to let the doors of love, forgiveness and charity be opened for the other. May we treat others as we wish to be treated by God. Have a good day.