The Power of Prayer

Monday's Blessing
 1 Thessalonians 5:17
 
"Pray without ceasing, "

How often I failed in my duty to God,
because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.
--St. Teresa of Avila

One of the few duties God requires from us is the power of prayer.  Yet prayer can be so overwhelming, especially if it is not directly related to our own needs.  So many of life's nuances prevent us from actively seeking and wanting to do this simple task.

 "I don't have the time." Prayer is considered an occupation incompatible with all the other things we have to do.

"I get distracted." Concentration becomes difficult and we easily give up.

 "I feel unattached." It seems that the heart is separated from God, with no
taste for thoughts, memories, and feelings, even spiritual ones.

 "Prayer is not my first priority."

Prayer is not something naturally innate.  It is not product implanted in our souls the moment we are birthed.  It is not a bundle set to open the moment we reach maturity that will drive us into a heavenly state every time we think of it.  No, prayer is a battle.  A battle with each day's endeavors that must be given top priority or else it will rest on the back burner of the many requirements of life.

We must pray without ceasing, in every
occurrence and employment of our lives - that prayer which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God as in a constant communication with Him. --Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

The secret of prayer is to incorporate it into every waking minute of your life.  Pray for everyone and everything you come in contact with.  Cast aside the constant barrage of your own needs and begin to incorporate other's needs.  It is then that the spirit of giving blesses you in doing so. 

We must pray without tiring, for the salvation of mankind does not depend on material success; nor on sciences that cloud the intellect. Neither does it depend on arms and human industries, but on Jesus alone. --St Frances Xavier Cabrini

Furthermore, when we train ourselves to be in constant prayer there are many benefits.  After all the first prayer Jesus gave us was the Our Father.  It was offered as a model to enlighten the significance of forming a relationship with our Father. This was his example to illimunate of the power of prayer.  In fact,

In Matthew 14:23, it says,
"And when He had sent the multitudes  away,
He went up into a mountain apart to pray:
and when the evening was  come, he was there alone."

If Jesus' first thought is to go out and pray, what is the type of mentoring emulating?  It is fostering the thought - God WANTS to hear from us during the MANY minutes of our day.  After all, prayer is talking and listening to our loving, all knowing, heavenly Father.  God wants to have an intimate relationship with his children.  In doing so the Bible promises:

Wisdom when we don't know what to do.  (James 1:5).

In Philippians 4:6,7,prayer is connected with receiving God's peace.

In Ephesians 6:18, prayer is a very important part of battling the forces of evil.

We are also told to pray for those in Authority over us. (I Timothy 2:1,2).

Make time this week to practice the beauty of prayer.  The power of prayer is for you and your family, AND for all those you encounter each day.  Pray for our world leaders, and for those that steer this economy.  Prayers are answered and remember, prayers in multitude are heard. 

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20