to pray and hope always
Jesus "told them a parable on the necessity of praying always and not losing heart." —Luke 18:1
Jesus commands us to pray always and not lose heart. This may mean that praying always can prevent us from losing heart. Many things in life are very discouraging. We feel like having a pity-party. We lose perspective and even exaggerate our problems. If we pray always and listen to the Lord in prayer, we can come to the realization that:
- God's grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9).
- In our weakness, God's "power reaches perfection" (2 Cor 12:9).
- We can be content (2 Cor 12:10) and have a "peace which is beyond all understanding" even in bad times (Phil 4:7).
- "God makes all things work together for the good of those who love" Him (Rm 8:28).
- Our future is full of hope (Jer 29:11).
How many times have we come to Jesus in our pain and frustration, and He has strengthened us or has lifted our burdens! (see Mt 11:28) Therefore, let us come to Jesus, and in the silence of prayer cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us (1 Pt 5:7). As we pray always, we are lifted up on eagles' wings (see Is 40:31), and we do not lose heart. The Lord promised: "In quiet and in trust your strength lies" (Is 30:15). Pray and listen to the Lord always. Then rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4).
Prayer: Father, may I pray through sorrow into joy.
Promise: "They beheld stupendous wonders." —Wis 19:8
Praise: St. Elizabeth was widowed with three children at the age of twenty, but still found time to care for the poor and ill.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Daily Prayer on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert A. Stricker, May 8, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 18, 2001