Pastor's Letter 20221016 - 16 October 2022 - The Efficacy of Prayer

Father Michael · October 16, 2022

October 16^th, 2022

29^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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A Message from Father †Michael

Today’s Theme: “The Efficacy of Prayer”

Reflections on Today’s Scripture

(Exodus 17: 8-13) In our First Reading, we hear of a most unusual battle plan: while Joshua and his handpicked army set out to engage the Amalekites, Moses positioned himself on a hill with his arms outstretched in prayer to God. As long as he remained strong, the Hebrews enjoyed victory, but when his arms grew weary, so the story goes, they lost ground. This shows us never to underestimate the influence of prayer, nor lose faith in God’s power to save. Prayer “happens” in that moment when the believer stands in truth before God, aware that all he or she is, has or will ever hope to accomplish, depends on the Lord. Like most human activity, prayer becomes easier in a supportive community.

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(2 Timothy 3:14-4:2) Most scholars today believe the pastoral letters to ^†Timothy were composed in the first part of the second century a.d. At that time, the expanding body of Christians looked for “norms,” by which to guide and define its growth. Called “early Catholicism,” by some, it was a time when the Church became less charismatic and more institutionalized. The body of the faithful sought to navigate their survival among an alien and often hostile environment. These epistles were written, mindful of the advice of the dying ^†Paul, as the answer to the question of survival, and within them are clearly enunciated terms of structure for the early Church. Then and now, guidance and inspiration in prayer are to be found in the living Word of God, that speaks to every aspect and possibility of human existence. In the early 2^nd century a.d., new Church leaders first emerged—presbyters (priests,) bishops and deacons—who were charged with caring for and ministering to the community. Scripture can be a great teacher if we learn how to listen without manipulation or selectivity.

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(Luke 18: 1-8) In his narratives, ^†Luke often featured the least likely characters as heroes and heroines: the Samaritan, who helped the man who was mugged; the dishonest steward, whose business acumen was praised by Jesus; and in today’s Gospel Reading, the relentless widow. Generally, widows were usually poor, uninfluential people, in the ancient world, marginalized, and often oppressed, as a group, along with orphans, aliens, those economically deprived, and the sick—all of whom were referenced as “the poor,” in the Scriptures. Because of their plight, they were thought to enjoy God’s special protection. Later, they became the symbols of all who hunger and thirst for justice; and exemplary for all believers. Today’s episode highlights the value of persistence in prayer. When prayer is relentlessly persevering and full of faith, there are no limits to what can be accomplished. Steadfast prayer, born of confident faith, is willing to wait for God’s justice.

[Note: the following is excerpted from The Efficacy of Prayer, a doctoral dissertation, 2000.]

The Role of Prayer

So often, and for so many people, “praying” becomes a “last resort,” usually offered as a petition for the resolution of some human dilemma.

People often “react to life,” in a variety of ways. When confronted by a problem, some, who lack faith, might simply “curse the darkness;” and resign themselves to accept their dismal fate.

Others, who possess a “religious” disposition, might fervently begin to pray; and then “sit back,” and wait for a miracle.

Another might be religious “in their own way,” and take a practical path to solving their problems, like a craftsman might, utilizing their skills to “work out a solution.”

For each of these attitudes come patterns of behavior from differing perspectives. A person without faith, logically has no one from whom to seek help. Another resorts to prayer, only to wait, patiently and hopefully. (Much of our prayer is like that, especially prayers offered for others—and many times, are simply words, hoping that a collective attitude of “good will” may garner a salutary effect. In earlier times, it might have been called, “sending good vibes.”)

But if our prayer takes the form of our calling on inner assets, followed in turn by some “action,” then our prayers serve the purpose of keeping up our courage and hope. They can reinforce a sense of God’s “nearness,” and supply strength to the task.

Prayer can sustain our entire being—in that it supports our resolve. Our faith teaches that “the Spirit of the Lord is within us,” and can be drawn upon in times of need. ^†Augustine said, “Faith pours out prayer, and the pouring out of prayer sustains and strengthens faith.” In that sense, prayer is the “oil” that keeps our “lamps” burning.

Continual Prayer

We have learned that prayer is important, as it clarifies our hopes and intentions. Through prayer we can discover our true aspirations—those pangs we might otherwise ignore or the longings we could possibly forget. It can become an act of self-purification. Prayer teaches us to find worthy objectives and implants the ideals we ought to cherish. Purity of tongue may float about as an idea in our mind, but the idea becomes a concern or a goal to be reached.

Prayer is not, however, a substitute for action. It is, rather, like a beam thrown from a flashlight before us into the darkness, that helps us to advance toward our destination. It’s not an escape from life, but a journey into the heart of life! Through prayer, we actually learn self-reliance before our Creator and the world, and accept responsibility for our lives.

Mainly, prayer becomes the foundation for living holy lives—the life of the true self—toward which we all are called. It’s never a matter of simply saying prayers. Nor is prayer a strategy reserved for occasional use—a refuge to which we resort in bad times—but the established “residence” of our innermost being.

Finally, prayer is its own reward. Through prayer we are enriched and enabled to live more spiritually; more deeply; more fully; and more authentically.

For those who believe prayer only consists of “words,” then perhaps they should consider prayerful meditation. Our busy world is so distracting for most of us, and we rarely are really “alone.” It may require concerted effort to find a time and place where we are able to focus our thoughts inward. But it is an exercise that promises ample benefit—both from a peaceful perspective and having an “island of solitude.” When we find such a place, and take the time to reap its benefits, our reward will be an opportunity to experience inner peace. To contemplate one’s essence is to call upon all our powers of concentration, and focus them the task of finding our center of being.

Finding a direction—like that proposed by Eastern Mysticism—and learning to meditate, can be intimidating for the Western mind. Our world is full of cacophony and jarring intrusions to a serene mood. (Often, I find solace in a comfortable lounge chair, surrounded by sounds of serious classical music—good headphones aid tremendously. My favorites include the tranquil works of Ravel, Debussy and others. At other times the new-age music, like that of Liquid Mind, can promote a similar attitude of contemplation. In this way, it can happen without ever taking an ascetic “journey” to a secluded place!)

Exercising the mind, with the goal of engaging its inner serenity, may require some practice. However, just as with learning any new skill, with persistence, the undertaking will become easier. You can rely on the promise of our Blessed Lord that the Holy Spirit will be there to guide you.

May God Richly Bless You!