PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 104 

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 104: "Do not be tired of praying. You will suffer to gain souls for Me."

Including prayer in every aspect of our day is essential in responding to Jesus' call. Establishing a daily prayer routine can help us stay rooted in God. Begin your day with morning offerings and morning Mass, dedicating all your thoughts, words, and actions to God. As the day progresses, take a moment to pause and pray. In the mid-morning, recite a brief prayer, such as the Holy Rosary or a spontaneous prayer of petition or intercession. At midday, once again, pray the Angelus while meditating on the mystery of the Incarnation. In the afternoon, a decade of the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet could serve as a revitalizing spiritual pause. To strengthen the bonds between family members and God, gather in the evening and recite devotional prayers such as the Rosary. Lastly, conclude your day with a short introspective reflection and an act of contrition. 

While personal prayer is significant, communal prayer is potent. It elevates each other in our weaknesses and cultivates a spirit of prayer even amidst solitary struggles. Engaging in collective prayer practices like the Novena, Eucharistic Adoration, or Rosary at your church nurtures a sense of community and purpose besides fortifying our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 2689 stresses this: "Prayer groups, indeed 'schools of prayer,' are today one of the signs and one of the driving forces of renewal of prayer in the Church, provided they draw from authentic sources of Christian prayer."

As Saint Benedict of Nursia emphasized in "ora et labora" (pray and work), where prayer and work are intertwined, we should also integrate prayer into our daily routines and perceive every moment as an opportunity to connect with God. Prayer may be challenging, but with perseverance, our daily tasks become sanctified, and our closeness to God deepens. It is crucial to acknowledge that prayer is not always effortless and often does not flow naturally. In Romans 8:26, Saint Paul reminds us, "The Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought: but let us not waver in our faith." Firm commitments must be upheld.

Embracing this invitation with love and dedication, let us be assured that our persistent prayer will yield results for God's Kingdom. Let us beseech Our Adorable Jesus, through the intercession of Sister Anna Ali, to fortify us in heeding today's divine appeal. May our dedication to prayer remain steadfast, and may we be filled with grace to continue upholding it as we draw ourselves and others nearer to God's heart.