Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Kathy Weider
Opening Prayer
Gracious and loving God, open our hearts on this sabbath day to hear Your word and seek to be ever more faithful to Your call. Amen.
Readings
“The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds…” Sirach 35:16
“The Lord hears the cry of the poor… When they just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.” Ps. 34
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed. ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection
The readings this Sunday focus on PRAYER. So much has been written about prayer, preached about prayer, believed about prayer. Jesus had a great deal to say about prayer including today’s parable. So – what is prayer? At its very foundation it is about our relationship with God. It is a conversation with God, a series of conversations. Just as a husband or wife, or dear friends have interactions and speak to each other, so we share with God. Just as a marriage or friendship will not be solid if the conversation is only sporadic, or shallow in nature, so too our relationship with God.
If we want to grow closer to God, deepen our relationship with God, we must be intentional in setting aside quality time every day to share our thoughts, feelings, joys, struggles, and needs with God. And as in any conversation, we must take time to listen! God is always present to us, available to us. God loves us unconditionally and understands us completely. God desires that we communicate…longs for us to come so that we may find peace, insights, love, forgiveness, compassion, and so much more.
When it comes to prayer and spiritual matters, we often seek the help of teachers, scholars, or experts. There is a story told of a seeker who came to elder for wisdom. The elder poured a cup of tea for her and kept pouring long after the cup was full. The woman called out that the cup was already full. And the elder said to her, “So it is with you. You are so full of yourself, there is no room for God to enter you.”
Sometimes a pastor or spiritual director might suggest different prayer methods, or types of prayer, such as meditating on a scripture passage, or centering prayer, or silent contemplation. All of these are simply intended to help us to grow in our prayer life. I was struck when I read a story about prayer methods. The disciple asks his master, “What can I do to attain God?” The master answers by asking, “What can you do to make the sun rise?” The disciple says indignantly, “Then why are you giving us all these methods of prayer?” The Master replies, “To make sure you are awake when the sun rises.”
Yes, prayer can become tedious, sometimes rewarding and full, feeling God’s love and closeness to us; other times prayer can be dry, seem like work, and feel as if God must be on vacation. There is the ordinariness of everyday life as in any other relationship. We must remember that God is always present, it is we who are going through some unknown process that eventually leads us back with greater insight.
We will spend our lives working on our prayer, desiring to grow closer to our beloved God (whatever name or image we prefer). Perhaps we can reflect on these words from St. Teresa of Avila: “Prayer is not just spending time with the Lord. It is partly that – but if it ends there, it is fruitless. No, prayer is dynamic. Authentic prayer changes us – unmasks us – strips us – indicates where growth is needed. Authentic prayer never leads to complacency but needles us – makes us uneasy at times. It leads us to true self-knowledge, to true humility.”
May we have the courage to pray in this way and allow God to transform us!
Intentions
Create your own prayers for global needs, Church, current social issues and people who are at risk, as well as your personal needs and intentions for family and friends.
Closing Prayer
God of peace and justice for all, may we be filled with hope as we recommit ourselves to advocate for and serve the needs of others. May joy fill our hearts as we place all our trust in You! Amen.