Readings Esther 14:1, 3-5. 12-14; Ps 137 Matt
7:7-12
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The
distance between our problem and heaven is the distance between the knees and
the ground. Prayer is a very powerful link between us and God. When this link
is established, God our Father hears us and grants our petitions according to
His will. The first reading of today reveals the confidence in a woman of faith,
Queen Esther, who knew the power of prayer and used it to save her people from
extermination in Babylon. We observe three steps she followed in her intercession.
First, she recognized that God has the answer to her problem and the power for
solution. Secondly, she interceded for her people, not being selfish. Finally,
she placed her personal needs last. She prayed with confidence and trust as Jesus
in the gospel exhorts us to. When we ask, we shall receive; when we seek, we
shall find; when we knock, the door shall be opened unto us.
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Prayer
is all about presence: We must recognize
His presence and availability for us and make ourselves present in his presence.
The awareness that we have a Father who cares for His children inspires
childlike trust and confidence in us. When this is understood, we can pray
anywhere: in the church, in the public, in our solitary space, in the school,
in a bus, etc.
One
may wonder why some prayers are not answered— why we lack success in
prayer. God knows the best for us. God
may delay our request for the mean time for our good. Once upon a time, Jesus
prayed to the Father during His agony at Gethsemane to deliver Him from the anguish
He was to undergo. Instead of delivering Him, God gave Him the passion.
Christ’s resurrection, glorification and our salvation are the fruits of the
unanswered prayer of Jesus at Gethsemane.
Prayer
is the best form of vigilance against temptation during this time of Lent. Prayer
is your spiritual power pack and amour. Start your day with prayer and end your
day with prayer, you will feel the impact of Divine presence in your life. He
who kneels before God in prayer can stand before any forces, problems and
impossibilities. Remember the formula is P.U.S.H: Pray Until Something Happens,
and A.S.K: Ask, Seek and Knock. So, plug into the power of prayer.
