Praying for others

 

Prayer is the greatest gift we can give to, or receive from, others.

When we pray for others we are in effect putting in a good word for them with God. We are interceding, or mediating, or pleading on their behalf. We are asking God to help them in their current difficulties.

This shows a generosity of spirit in us; it also shows our Faith, since we would not be praying if we did not believe that there is Someone listening and ready to answer our pleas.

Often, we are the answer to someone's prayers, without us realising it.

It could be in the supermarket, the street, Bible Class, in church or anywhere else. We just happen to be there and meet someone in need, in despair, afraid, worried or in some distress; and we are in a position to help. God put us there in answer to that person's prayer. How we react is up to us.

When I visit your Blogs, to me you are more than names on websites. Each individual is leading their life with your own hopes, aspirations and wishes for you and your loved ones. And I take the opportunity to pray for each one of you and yours.

I hope you do the same when you visit me here. Thank you.

God bless.

Praying

 

Father Ignatius sat in the empty church right up front by Our Lady’s statue. He watched for a while the votive candles burning at her feet and then started his Rosary.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, these words came whirling fast into his head, totally uncontrollable and spontaneous, yet as clear as if they were spoken to him there and then.

“How shall I pray?” said the words in Father Ignatius’ head.

“Shall I beg over and over again for you to hear me? Is that what You want of me?

“Shall I plead for ever like the widow to the judge until she was heard?

“How do you want me to see You? As an over-powerful ruler demanding His own way?

“How do you want me to love You? As one loves a monster, with immense fear lest I arouse your anger and wrath?

“Shall I fear you for ever and cower at the thought of your fury?”

Father Ignatius stopped praying and made the sign of the Cross. He took a deep breath … and yet the words continued in his mind … somehow gentler now … somehow softer …

“Love me as a child … with no fear and no dread.

“Trust me as a child trusts his parents when they give him food and drink.

“A child never questions whether the food is good to eat … he takes it in trust and asks for more.

“He never doubts when led by his parents … he follows eagerly holding hands along the way.

“Love me as a child … and I’ll treat you with love and compassion.

“Ask me as a child … and I’ll give you what’s good for you in good time.

“Trust me as a child … and I’ll show you the way …

“No matter how difficult your journey ahead, I’ll always be there … guiding you into eternity … with Me.”

The words suddenly stopped as quickly as they’d started. Yet their message remained with the priest for a long time.

Praying for others

 

Matthew 20:20 onwards

Then the mother of Zebedee's sons, (James and John), came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request to Him. “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” 

You probably know this story. Read the whole paragraph in Matthew's gospel. Jesus replies to the woman, “to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant." Only God decides who sits where in Heaven.

Let us consider what happened here. The mother did nothing wrong. She loved her children so much that she wanted them protected and taken care of by Jesus. If we are honest, we have all prayed dearly for someone we love; a spouse, parents, children, friends or someone else. We prayed earnestly that God takes care of them. I pray for you my readers often.

Remember that at the time of Jesus the world was a troubled place. Just like now I suppose. Israel was occupied by a foreign Roman power. Some of the Jews, like King Herod and the Jewish elders, to some extent collaborated with the occupiers; whereas the population was divided in their views. Some believed that Jesus was a political leader come to overthrow the Romans.

So this mother, wanting to protect her children, places them in Christ's care. Very much as you would do for a loved one.

This is what prayer is all about. Saying a good word on behalf of someone. Pleading for them even. Prayer is the greatest gift we can give to or receive from someone. It shows a generosity of spirit and true faith that Someone is listening to our pleadings.

When Catholics recite the "Hail Mary" they say, "Holy Mary ... pray for us sinners".

Some non-Catholics confuse this and believe that Catholics pray to Saints. In fact, many Catholics confuse this also. The Catholic Church has a lot of teaching to do on this!

The reality is that Catholics do (should) ask the Saints to pray for them. "Holy Mary pray for us".

Some Catholics believe that by placing flowers or lighting candles by statues of Saints they will obtain favours. Again, this is wrong; and the Catholic Church is remiss in its teaching on this. You cannot buy favours from God, Jesus or the Saints. They don't need your flowers, candles or sacrifice. You do this as a sign of love and respect; not to purchase favours. It's very much like placing flowers and candles by graves or photos of loved ones.

I often ask Saints to pray for me; and ask Jesus to mediate for me. He is the only mediator between man and God, in that He is the only Son of God Who died and rose again for us to be put right with God. 

Yes, I need His mediation. Yes I need the Saints' prayers for me; as much as I need your prayers for me. I need all the help I can get.

Praying for you all. God bless.

Praying.

Father Ignatius sat in the empty church right up front by Our Lady’s statue. He watched for a while the votive candles burning at her feet and then started his Rosary.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, these words came whirling fast into his head, totally uncontrollable and spontaneous, yet as clear as if they were spoken to him there and then.

“How shall I pray?” said the words in Father Ignatius’ head.

“Shall I beg over and over again for you to hear me? Is that what You want of me?

“Shall I plead for ever like the widow to the judge until she was heard?

“How do you want me to see You? As an over-powerful ruler demanding His own way?

“How do you want me to love You? As one loves a monster, with immense fear lest I arouse your anger and wrath?

“Shall I fear you for ever and cower at the thought of your fury?”

Father Ignatius stopped praying and made the sign of the Cross. He took a deep breath … and yet the words continued in his mind … somehow gentler now … somehow softer …

“Love me as a child … with no fear and no dread.

“Trust me as a child trusts his parents when they give him food and drink.

“A child never questions whether the food is good to eat … he takes it in trust and asks for more.

“He never doubts when led by his parents … he follows eagerly holding hands along the way.

“Love me as a child … and I’ll treat you with love and compassion.

“Ask me as a child … and I’ll give you what’s good for you in good time.

“Trust me as a child … and I’ll show you the way …

“No matter how difficult your journey ahead, I’ll always be there … guiding you into eternity … with Me.”

The words suddenly stopped as quickly as they’d started. Yet their message remained with the priest for a long time.