Wednesday 5^th August- Wednesday of week 18 of the year

WHAT DO YOU DO: PRAY OR COMPLAIN?

Numbers 13:1-2, 25 -14:1, 26-35

Moses sent some men on a reconnaissance mission to the land of Canaan as ordered by God. Some of these men gave an exaggerated report of the people in Canaan thus instilling fear into the people of Isreal. The Israelites allowed their fears to subdue their knowledge of the power of God who was with them. They forgot all the wonderful deeds of God, how mightily He led them out of slavery in Egypt; how He parted the red sea; how He rained down manna from heaven and protected them in the deserts.They complained all the way about an unseemingly insurmountable obstacle and aroused God’s anger and judgement.

Dear friend in Christ, ask yourself today, what do I really do when things are not favourable for me? Do I just sit back and complain about the bad situations of my life, family, academics, work, relationships or nation? Or do I humbly tell God about my fears and troubles? Do I realize that the same God who has brought me this far, can help me and safely take me home? Do I have faith in God to see me through all my challenges and troubles of mind? Let us then be like the Canaanite woman in today’s gospel reading who with great faith called on Jesus for help (Mt 15:21-28). When things do not go as we expect it, do not complain to God instead tell him the situation. When we complain, we imply that our God cannot save us and this can led to punishment from God. When what is ahead scares us, talk to God about it and let go of fear and let faith take over.

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith in you and give me the grace to trust you even in the midst of adversity. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT510 – Is it possible to pray always?

Prayer is always possible. Prayer is vitally necessary. Prayer and life cannot be separated.

You cannot keep God content with a few words in the morning or evening. Our life must become prayer, and our prayers must become life. Every Christian life story is also a story of prayer, one long attempt to achieve greater union with God. Because many Christians experience a heartfelt longing to be with God constantly, they turn to the so-called “Jesus prayer”… the person who prayers it tries to integrate a simple formula into his daily routine in such a way that it becomes a constant prayer.

Hide a Treasure: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 GNB

Today’s Readings: Num 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29, 34-35; Ps 106: 6-7.13-14, 21-23; Mt 15:21-28