DISEASES and calamities are not the only things that can weaken a person. Lack of prayer can also weaken him – to the point that he will lose his presence of mind and the ability to make a sound decision. I know people who confess that they go through difficulties when they don’t pray. They lack energy and lose interest in things. They also make obvious blunders.
The same persons acknowledge that things are different when they spend time to talk to God in prayer – to thank Him for provisions, ask for forgiveness, guidance, protection, blessings and miracles. The energy is felt right away! They feel recharged and able to bear things. Prayer is power. For St. John Chrysostom, prayer is “the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness”.
When we pray, we acknowledge that we cannot do anything without God. We ask the Divine Maker for wisdom and other blessings. Our talents, our strength, our loved ones and the things we value are merely borrowed and can be gone in a snap. We need God 24/7. For Mahatma Gandhi, “Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening”.
How’s your prayer life? Are there times when you nourish your physical body but you forget the soul? Sing! Post this on your wall. Make it your PC or mobile phone’s wallpaper.
Our Father who art in heaven
Hollowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who sin against us.
While you pray for your concerns and your family, pray for our leaders, too. Pray for the sick, the suffering and the oppressed. Pray for a cure to COVID-19. Pray for the elderly, victims of accidents and calamities. The world needs your prayers.
