PRAYING A GREAT DEAL

 Divine Appeal Reflection  - 90

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 90: "These are grave moments. I am agonising over souls. The world advances towards the precipice from one day to the next. Pray a great deal."

As a demand for a continuous, close relationship with God, the command to "pray a great deal" has significant theological implications. Reflecting the scriptural exhortation to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), this idea proposes that prayer should pervade all parts of a believer's life. The concept that prayer is the soul's lifeline, connecting it to the divine source of grace and strength, is theologically reinforced by this consistent prayer habit. The urgency of "praying a great deal" is particularly highlighted in times of moral and spiritual crises, as emphasized in Jesus' Divine Appeal 90. This appeal underscores the theological fact that prayer can influence the course of events and bring about divine intervention. Through fervent and persistent prayer, mankind can help mitigate the evils of the world and aid in the salvation of souls.

Integrating extensive prayer into daily life involves various practices that contribute to the spiritual battle against evil and the salvation of souls. For instance, making the sign of the cross when witnessing sinful actions invokes the Holy Trinity and serves as a silent plea for God's mercy. Praying the Rosary while walking sanctifies the day and brings Christ’s presence into the world. Meditating on the Passion of Christ through reading Gospel narratives, participating in the Stations of the Cross, or praying the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows deepens understanding of Christ's love and sacrifice, motivating prayer for salvation. Fasting and offering personal sacrifices are potent forms of prayer, uniting small sufferings with Christ's. This practice can involve skipping meals, abstaining from favorite foods, or engaging in acts of charity, intensifying prayer and intercession. Taking time to adore the Blessed Sacrament enables one to become deeply united with Christ and ask for His mercy, forgiveness and grace.

Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet places a strong emphasis on asking God for mercy and personally answering Christ's invitation, particularly during the hour of mercy at 3:00 PM. Contemplation, lectio divina (sacred reading), or spontaneous prayer can all be used in personal prayer to develop a close relationship with God, offering ongoing intercession and receiving wisdom from above. Maintaining a prayerful awareness of God's presence throughout the day, even beyond scheduled Eucharistic adoration, transforms daily life into constant adoration.

The call to "pray a great deal" is both urgent and profound, urging humanity to engage deeply in spiritual practices that intercede for the world and contribute to the salvation of souls. These practices enable the faithful to unite with Christ in His redemptive mission, addressing spiritual crises and bringing forth God's mercy and grace. Inspired by the example and intercession of Sr. Anna Ali, souls are encouraged to strive to pray without ceasing for the salvation of souls and the triumph of God's love.