We are in that “in between time”
between Ascension and Pentecost. Lord Jesus had left them to return to the
Father – but He promised to send the Advocate – the Holy Spirit. So the Apostles
returned to the Upper Room, together with Mary, and they prayed – nine days – that’s
where the word Novena comes from. They waited and prayed – Come Holy Spirit!
Surveys show that 55% of Americans
pray every day – 21% weekly or monthly – 23% seldom or never.
How do they/we pray? ACTS
1)Adoration/Worship
2)
Contrition/Sorrow
3)
Thanksgiving
4)
Supplication/Petition
St. John Damascene says – “Prayer is
the lifting up of the mind and heart to God.”
A good definition – but is it all our work? “Not that we have loved God,
but that God has loved us first” – God seeks us. Another way to look at it – a conversation
among friends.
Thoughts about prayer:
1)
How do you pray? Take the time – worth
it. Put it right in the schedule. Quiet
in the morning or evening – in the car. Pray rosary when walking.
2)
Find the center – the meaning and
purpose of life – keeps us focused.
3)
Speak with honesty – tell God what is
going on! Wife & mother at hospital
with sick husband, day after day. She just couldn’t take it anymore. Statue
outside of Mary. Started throwing dirt at it. Wanted to stop her, but chaplain
said, it’s OK, she is praying.
4)
Listen attentively. Don’t do all the
talking. Every now and then, God might speak audibly, but more often through
Bible and other people.
5)
Silence – MT – silence leads to
prayer leads to faith leads to love leads to service.
Once again note – Apostles made sure
Mary was with them in the Upper Room – the model of prayer – let it be done to
me – do whatever He tells you!
On this Mother’s Day, may the Mother
of Jesus, the Mother of God, lead us to the Father.
