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We live in a time when prayer is often devalued. As acts of violence occur and social justice issues bubble to the surface in the media, we often hear criticism that thoughts and prayers aren’t enough anymore - we need to do something.
I get it, of course. I agree we must work together to make positive systemic change. There is hypocrisy, indifference, and injustice in the world - and in the church. We really do need to do something to make the world a safer place for future generations!
But I also think more people need to realize - prayer is doing something. Doing something hard. Doing something powerful. Doing something that makes a difference. When genuine, prayer itself truly is an act of service.
Genuine perseverance into the silence of prayer will always lead us to uproot our own interior hypocrisy, indifference and injustice and lead us on a journey to cultivate virtue, compassion and solidarity with people who are oppressed. Authentic Christian prayer transforms us into agents of change in spite of our weaknesses, flaws and failings because prayer connects us with the source of all healing, power, grace, and redemptive love.
As we cultivate an authentic relationship with God, we begin to desire justice for all - not just ourselves. We learn to be guided by the Holy Spirit, which is always working for the greater good.
Saints like Mother Teresa, Maximilian Kolbe, Padre Pio, Faustina Kowalska, Hildegard von Bingen and Ambrose of Milan are perfect examples of lives energized by the power of prayer. Rooted in union with God which was forged through trials, they were empowered to make the world a better place in miraculous ways beyond ordinary human capabilities.
Today, I encourage you to persevere into the silence of prayer, and open yourself to a deeper union with the Lord. Even if you are distracted or don’t feel his presence - your act of faith is truly an act of service to God and humanity. I pray you have the grace to stick with it into ever-deeper levels of faith!
"Let your door stand open to receive Him, unlock your soul to Him, offer Him a welcome in your mind, and then you will see the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace, the joy of grace. Throw wide the gate of your heart, stand before the sun of the everlasting light..." - St. Ambrose
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