Tuesday, 14th January – Tuesday of week 1 of the year

Reflection: 1 Samuel 1:9-20

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Do not be anxious about anything. In everything, resort to prayer and supplication together with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). Prayer is the master key that stimulates Divine action. Prayer is a surge of the heart stimulated by Divine action. This constitutes the Paradox of Prayer

 Prayer is a gift of God to us. Our prayer of petition is a response to the plea of the living God (John 4:10; Jeremiah2:13). Thus, realizing this gift of God, we should pray “out of the depths” of a humble and contrite heart. Humility is the foundation of prayers for God opposes the proud. Prayer is a communion; it is a living relationship of the children of God with their Father. It is communication between God and His children. Let us approach His presence in prayers with reverence.

With humility and reverence Hannah approached God in prayers, with distress of heart she poured out her soul before the Lord, yet with faith in God. Dear Friends, like Hannah, we are enjoined to take all our burdens and troubles of mind to God in prayers and give the situation report. We have affirmed that God is our Father, the one who cares for us and who can do all things. So, let us approach Him in prayers and stop bearing unnecessary burdens around. The Lord says,” Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest” (Matthew11:28). This is a command, “COME”.

 Christ is calling us to use His gift (Prayers) to access the numerous gifts God has provided for our comfort. Remember, those who find time to kneel before God in prayers will forever stand firm before men.

TALK TO YOUR FRIEND: Lord give me the grace that in every circumstance of life, I may always find my peace in you. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2567 – The universal call to prayer

God calls man first. Man may forget his creator or hide his face; he may run after idols or accuse the deity of having abandoned him; yet the living and true God tirelessly calls each person to that mysterious encounter known as prayer. In prayer, the faithful God’s initiative of love always comes first; our own first step is a response. As God gradually reveals himself and reveals man to himself, prayer appears as a reciprocal call, a covenant drama. Through words and actions, this drama engages the heart. It unfolds throughout the whole history of salvation.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you” Luke 11:9-10 CCB

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 1:9-20; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8; Mark 1: 21-28