Faith Formation: "Prayer: Knocking on God’s Door"

Today’s message focuses on the importance of prayer especially as it relates to this year’s District’s Faith Theme as noted in the image below:

 Through faithful “knocking”, prayer demonstrates a closer & persistent connection to God . . . We all are aware of the benefits of prayer and connection with God in our lives.  There are also a few common thoughts, considerations and misconceptions guiding us to God and away from Him . . . especially as it involves prayer:

• We all complain about our busy schedule . . . and often make excuses saying we have no time for Him in our lives.
• There is also the claim that God does many things we do not understand. When faced with suffering, sickness, chaos, tragedy, death, turmoil and confusion, most people can ask only one question: WHY? We all find ourselves in the midst of similar struggles and know too well this feeling of uncertainty and ambiguity. The same applies to the topic of God answering our prayers.
• Some people ask why God doesn't answer, or doesn't always answer, their prayers. But the fact is, God does answer prayer. In fact, God answers every prayer. If you think about it, though, you can understand why he doesn’t answer every prayer with a “Yes,” immediately. God isn’t going to answer both prayers with a Yes, right away.  But since he does answer every prayer, the question is, how does he do it? How does God answer prayer?

 But we must remember that God will answer in His time and in His way!

Embedded below are several images including an “Email from God”.  This is a beautiful example of God’s faithfulness to care for us with the unconditional manner as a parent loves a child.  Also present is a slide featuring the “Examen” . . . St. Ignatius Loyola's Examen is an opportunity for peaceful daily reflective prayer. ... It is simply a set of introspective prompts for you to follow or adapt to your own life and spirit. It is beautiful way in which to begin engaging a pause & reflect approach in our lives.  

Also present is an image and video link relating to a “Prayer Mindset” which reminds me of the Growth Mindset we promote with our students in their learning… It is centered in spiritual framework which calls us to put our trust in God who faithfully watches over us on our journey.  The video embedded in the presentation invokes this mindset which similarly speaks to God’s divine presence in scripture through life’s difficult circumstances. All signal the necessity to call on God not just for our wants & needs but for the reason “of just because”.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhdT9sfGTfM -

- GOD ALWAYS ANSWER YOUR PRAYER ( when you say...god tells you... )

In closing, while prayer affords us a chance to “knock” on God’s door, it provides a great opportunity to  pause, reflect and “spiritually exhale” in our lives. There are times when we need support and extra care. While we can find it through friends, family, colleagues but we often need reminders that God is also there when we let Him journey with us.  In Him we find a moment of “exhale”, solace and a simplicity that reminds us that matters get sorted out in His time and way.

 

Blessings & peace!