By Deacon Bill Richer
In the past few months, I have been praying so much for my last living aunt. She is almost 87, trying to recover from cancer surgery at home under hospice care. A month ago, I prayed with a young adult woman who was really struggling in her life. She passed away.
Another friend of mine, whom I have been praying for, survived a widow-maker heart attack. I often wonder, why does God answer one prayer and not the other? Or if God answers our prayers, why are the outcomes different?
This Sunday’s Gospel will help us understand. Jesus says God doesn’t always answer our prayers by giving us what we want. First Jesus compares God to a person who gives his friend what he needs. Then, he says God will answer our prayers by giving us the Holy Spirit.
What do we expect from prayer? Most of us pray for things we want, but God often gives us what we need: the courage and commitment to do His will in tough times.
For example, we might pray for God to spare a loved one from an illness. God might answer by strengthening you with the Spirit so we can comfort our sick loved one. Or we may pray for a better life for the poor. God might answer your prayer by calling your attention to an opportunity to serve them in your community.
Sure, our prayers might work miracles for others, but more often our prayers work miracles within us. Ask yourself, can you remember a time you were inspired to help someone after praying for them? Keep track of your prayers in a journal and note the changes you see in yourself or your life. Observe if God makes changes in the world or in you.