Today’s Gospel
reading features Jesus' instruction to his disciples on prayer and not giving
up. Jesus gives us the prayer called the "Lord's Prayer." In this
prayer, which is used as a model for all prayer, Jesus directs us to give God
praise and make our petitions known to him. The blessed assurance that God
hears our prayer is central to our understanding of praying and never giving
up. Prayer makes a difference and changes the way we look at things.
For the past
week I was on retreat at Mercy Center in Madison, CT. It was a wonderful time
to take time to pray, reflect and just be. During the days I had the
opportunity to spend more time in prayer and in nature. The grounds of Mercy Center
are beautiful, and it was nice to see bunnies, birds, and other wildlife during
the day. One day a large log drifted onto the beach. It became a real center of
prayer for me. I was able to sit by the water on it and reflect. Praying for
our world, and many other things was a part of each day.
“And I tell
you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will
be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks,
finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:9-10 This
scripture came to life for me this week. I was a time to ask, seek and knock
and God was indeed very present. I am grateful that I had this opportunity and
look forward to living out the graces of my retreat.