The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
I find it curious that in all of the years the disciples walked with Jesus and witnessed the miracles He did, they never asked Jesus, “teach us how to raise people from the dead,” or, “teach us how to feed 5,000 people,” or even, “teach us how to walk on water…” but they did ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. When Jesus had come back from a certain place, the disciples must have seen something different in Jesus. They must have sensed a different power and life coursing through Him so much so that they also desired that. What Jesus teaches them next is the Our Father. By recognizing their own lack and need for God, they come to realize that the Lord does answer when called on for help.
My friends, having a daily prayer life is a non-negotiable for a follower of Jesus. Prayer has the power to transform our hearts into God’s heart, so that we begin to want what He wants. We begin to ache for what He aches. Our wills become united to His will. When we come before the Lord in prayer, we notice that we’re completely dependent on Him for everything. We need Him. God is not a tyrannical judge sitting in Heaven waiting to dole out punishments, but rather, He is a Good Father who gives good gifts to His children…if we but ask.
When we call upon the Lord, He answers us, He builds up strength within us, He preserves us, and He sees us. The work of the Cross made a way for us to have a relationship with our Creator, removing our transgressions and nailing them to the Cross. Do you realize how amazing this is!? We can have a personal, intimate, CLOSE relationship with God, the Almighty Maker of EVERYTHING right now. Don’t delay. Come close to Him. Keep turning your gaze towards Him and asking for more of Him. Because I can guarantee you, He wants to give you everything, even His very self.
Ali Hoffman loves God and loves people. She travels the globe preaching the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. She also mails monthly letters of encouragement and hand drawn pieces of art (affectionately called LYLO Letters) to build up the local church. You can find more info at www.alihoffman.co.
