The Bible often speaks as if any prayer we say will almost automatically be answered. If we just ask, we receive (Mt 7:7). Whatever we ask in Jesus' name is given to us (Jn 14:14). "Is it possible that He Who did not spare His own Son but handed Him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides?" (Rm 8:32)
Why is it that many of us don't experience this awesome power of prayer? We may even wonder if our prayers are doing any good. Part of the problem is our refusal to hear the cry of the poor (Prv 21:13). If we are so preoccupied with ourselves that we ignore the poor, the Lord would be harming us by answering our prayers the way we want them answered. He would be feeding into our selfishness. Therefore, the Lord answers our prayers by changing the subject and calling us to repentance.
If you want God to answer you directly, listen to the poor.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I get my attention off myself so You don't have to change the subject. |
| PROMISE: | "My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it." –Lk 8:21 |
| PRAISE: | God gave St. Pio the gift of reading hearts, particularly when hearing Confessions. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College