Reflection - 97

"Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts." - Mother Teresa

What would we get from prayer? We may pray only at the last moment which we are in need of something. Perhaps we appear for prayer with that intention. Yes, we need many things like safety, food, learning skill, happiness and so on. This kind of prayer can be called as profit motivated prayer. Some of us would pray as a performance. This kind of prayer would go like a mechanical process, such as reciting prayers which we have leaned by heart and we perform it quickly. It is similar to a worker who receives money without any feeling from his master for his job. So this kind of prayer is called mechanical prayer.

Jesus gives clear correction through His parable from St. Luke 18: 9-12, the parable of Pharisee and the tax collector. Here the view is clear that Pharisee’s prayer was not real. Because, the real prayer is to focus to the Lord. He prayed like to justify himself, also he compared with others spirituality. At last he conceded himself to be better than the tax collector. So do not justify and compare on our prayer life. One who has pride cannot pray well. The grace of Lord flows through the humble harts and lives. It was reflected in the life of tax collector. What merits can we see in the tax collector’s prayer? He said everything with humility, repentances, and prayed with clamor. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). 

Let’s reflect upon how my prayer life is? Am I praying with either as profit motive or mechanical or to justify myself or compare others spiritual life? A humble prayer is more than enough for intimate relation with Jesus.  So, for a while let’s reflect upon it how my prayer is? And how can I improve my prayer life more effectively?

Intentions:

Pray for our parents ……….

Pray for dear and near ones………..

Pray for those who are asked for prayer……

Pray for good prayer life…….  

Prayer: We thank you, our father almighty for the enlightening us with your stable spirit and light, for the inspiring our minds and thoughts, and for the enkindling our hearts with your merciful love. Heavenly father help us to make a life through this refection. Our Lord, and our God forever and ever.  

               

                                                                                                 -Bro. Samuel Thiruhridhayam