The Season of Lent has been observed through the centuries to strengthen and deepen the faith of those who believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. It is a time when those whose hearts have been hardened by the frivolities of the world are given the opportunity for reconciliation and acceptance of God's role in their lives. Also, it makes possible the realization that " no man is an island " but a part of the whole humanity that makes up the world.
The key considerations that highlight the Lenten Season are:
1. Prayer 2. Fasting 3. Almsgiving
Prayer - What is prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that it is raising one's mind and heart to God. We pray out of the depths of a humble and contrite heart. Humility, therefore, is the foundation of prayer. It does not matter whether you pray with shut eyes or bended knees or with arms outstretched. These pysical forms may help in the sincerity and focus necessary for some people. It does not mean that while you are driving, you cannot pray. It also means that you can be in a noisy casino but can still be engaged in prayer. While walking for exercise, you can be in communion with God in prayer.
In prayer, God initiates the contact. God wants to have a relationship with us and therefore, He seeks for us. He asked the question to Adam in the Garden of Eden, " Where are you?" Ever since that time, God has been seeking for us. When God called him, Abraham went forth. Moses was called through the "burning bush." David was called from the fields as he tended his sheep. Elijah and the other prophets were all called by God and they responded in prayer their "encounter" with God from whom they drew light and strength for their mission. Thus, we respond to God's call in the silence of our hearts, in prayer, too.
St. Paul said, " Pray without ceasing." It does not mean that we have to be on our knees 24 hours a day. It simply means being aware of the presence of God every moment of our lives - in the car while driving, in the office at work, at home, doing the dishes or any household chore, in the park while watching the children at play, etc.
Prayer of all kinds come in various ways and forms. Looking at the beauty of nature and saying, " Thank you." is a prayer. Lifting up a burden off someone's shoulder through our listening ear or a gentle counsel is a prayer. Assisting the fallen to their feet in terms of the sharing of food, time and treasure is a prayer. The ultimate test of a Christian is how prayer becomes so ingrained in our being that it is manifested in the spoken word or such action we do for ourselves but most especially for others. We have to pray for others. We must be supplicating for one another. We seek God's glory in prayer but also share each other's care in prayer. Therefore, through prayer, we establish a relationship with God and with our fellowmen!
Christian prayer is a living relationship between God and His people.
So the life of prayer is the habit of being in the presence of God, in communion with Him. So, how much of the 24 hours a day, do you allot to your prayer - your time with your Creator, your Source of life and blessings? Are you aware that in a split second He can shift conditions in your life in a manner He sees fit for that moment be it the unexpected fading to eternal life as in a freak accident or the sudden outburst of a natural calamity, or the miraculous cure of a lingering illness or a downpour of blessings to solve a financial crisis. Hence, in life, expect the unexpected ! Let prayer be an integral part of your daily life!
No comments:
Post a Comment