Pray Persistently. Pray for Others.

There are some people who devote their lives to prayer. Monks and many religious people spend most of their day in supplication to the Lord on behalf of others. Many people pray together, humbly asking for God’s grace. There are several groups who gather as one to pray in our parish. (The Cursillo prayer groups on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, and the women’s Prayer Warrior intercessory prayer group on Wed.) And some people pray once in a while - perhaps just “checking in” to let God know they are still around.

In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches us how to pray. First, we must pray persistently, communing with God again and again. Then we must pray for and with one another – the more people praying, the louder the voice. As we accept the prayers of others for our needs, so must we be willing to pray for the needs of others. And finally, we must recognize that God will always respond to our prayers, though not necessarily in the way we want. Our prayers are answered in accordance to our heavenly Father’s plan.

Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that those who are persistent will be given what they need. He gives us the words to pray, not just for ourselves but for one another: “Our father…give us this day...as we forgive…”. And He promises that those who ask shall receive.