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Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
‘Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.’
“If you forgive others their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Prayer is a two-way street. In most cases, we begin by asking the Lord for things we want…then we hang on, and await a response.
I think of God’s response to our prayers like a stoplight – it’s either green, yellow, or red.
At times, we pray for something and it’s given right away. For example, we lose our keys and pray to Saint Anthony. Suddenly, POOF! We find them.
A green light.
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Other times, the answer is, “No.” A red light.
Even Jesus heard “no” from his Father.
Remember what happened on the last night of his life on earth. Overwhelmed by the knowledge that he’s about to be crucified as his ministry seemed like a failure, Jesus prayed to his Father, saying. “Let this cup pass from me.”
But hours later, he was dead. A red light.
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The majority of our prayers receive yellow lights. We ask God for something, but it takes time before it’s answered.
Consider how many people around the world are praying for an end to war; for their daily bread; for help in their marriage; for strength to remain sober; for healing from an illness; for divine peace.
We beg Jesus for help. Until he answers, we wait. This period of waiting is intended to be fruitful. Think of faith like a muscle; it must be exercised in order to become stronger.
Thus, waiting is type of spiritual exercise that is meant to strengthen our faith in God’s Providence.
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So, what are you praying for? What’s the “yellow light” in your life?
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While waiting for an answer, meditate on the Lord’s prayer: “Thy kingdom come…Thy will be done.” We might add: “If you will it, Lord, turn that yellow light green.”
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Image credits: (1) My Bible Thoughts with Pastor Rich (2) Readers Digest (3) The Drive