PRAYER AS AN ACT OF WILL

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 134

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 134: "Do not be tired of praying. The effort of your will is My delight." 

Our efforts in prayer become even more precious when they are offered in reparation and consolation to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In the Sacrament of His love, Jesus is frequently ignored or given cold treatment. He yearns for deeds of atonement from souls for the transgressions, sacrileges, and indifference for His presence in the Eucharist. Each time we make the effort to pray, especially in reparation, we console the heart of Jesus, who waits for us in the tabernacle. Our prayers of reparation rise like a sweet offering to the Lord, as Scripture reminds us: “Let my prayer be counted as incense before You” (Psalm 141:2). Even when our prayers feel weak, they are received with great delight by Jesus.

Jesus understands the challenges we face in remaining faithful to prayer, but it is precisely in these difficult moments that His heart is most moved. When we choose to pray, despite distractions, tiredness, or struggles, our Adorable Jesus treasures that effort. The act of will required to pray in such circumstances is a powerful act of love that consoles His Sacred Heart. As the Bible encourages us, we are called to seek the Lord and call upon Him even in our moments of weakness and fatigue (Isaiah 55:6). Our Lord does not seek perfect or eloquent prayers. He delights in our heartfelt efforts, no matter how simple they are. As Scripture teaches, the Lord looks at the heart and values our intentions more than our outward actions (1 Samuel 16:7). Each time we overcome our fatigue or distractions to turn to Him, we answer His call to seek Him, fulfilling His desire for our presence.

Let us continue to seek Jesus in prayer, knowing that every time we turn to Him, we bring joy to His heart. By making reparation and offering consolation, we fulfill His call to remain close to Him, even when we feel weak. May we always respond to His plea with love and devotion, trusting that He delights in our efforts and blesses us abundantly.

Prayer 

O most loving and Adorable Jesus, we offer You our hearts in humble reparation for all the offenses committed against Your Holy Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. May our prayers and sacrifices console You, and may we always strive to bring comfort and love to You.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.