“God has established (the human being) in his friendship” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, art. No. 355). Therefore, the Lord will entertain and communicate with us.
In this relationship of friendship, the answer we give to God’s love is through our prayers.
Prayer is being in touch with the Trinity. Establishing a pathway capable of penetrating the heart of the Lord, seeking to know Him and returning to Him, albeit in limited form,the infinite love we receive.
It is no great oratory power that makes a good prayer: “In praying, do not say many words, like the pagans who think they will be heard for their much speaking“(Matthew 6, 7).
It is with simplicity that we turn to the Lord, the prayer should be a sincere expression of what we feel and are.
Prayer can not bring any hint of hypocrisy “do not do as the hypocrites, who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on street corners to be seen by men” (Mt 6, 5), nor Pharisaism which is interpreted as merit: everything the person does that is positive (cf. Lk18, 10SS). The search for the consideration of men and their favor that they attribute to us for our devotions, will be our recompense.
Prayer should be a sincere gesture of friendship and love for the Lord. If this principle does not contain the essence of your intention, it is worth nothing. “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door, pray to your Father in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret, will reward you” (Mt 6, 6).
If from men we hide our good deeds and intentions, as well reserve this from even our friends, the Father who knows our heart and also draws near to us us will communicate to us in a form that is merited, answering the prayers and prayer practices. Because He knows our heart.
In the form of praise or request, nonconformity or gratitude, doubt, certainty or intercession, all that is part of our humanity, we can lift with confidence to the Person of God.
He delights when we admit to ourselves and to Him, both the misery and the riches we have and turn to His eternal omnipotence. In Sacred Scripture, we have testimonies from people who were praying in their sorrows and joys, to ask for insight on what to doand even had occasions when a complainant to God -calling for divine justice – for yourcondition suffered. (cf. Job 3, 16, cf. Jonah 4, 1, cf Jeremiah 20, 14-18).
So, tell God about your regrets, including the promises He made to you that have not been fulfilled. But, be open to the responses and patient to the process required, as these same men of the Bible.True prayer is one in which, despite the Lord’s omniscience (He knows everything), the person says to him without reservation – now in full – what is happening with him.
I think that one of the most beautiful translations of what is to be prayer in the Old Testament is on the lips of Anna, mother of Samuel “pour out my soul in the presence of the Lord“(I Samuel 1, 15). What a beautiful example of what prayer should become!
The prayer fits in any circumstance “Pray in all circumstances” (Eph 6: 18).
If something takes away peace, pray. “Do not be anxious about anything! In all the circumstances made known to God your concerns, through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving “(Philippians 4: 6).
Another aspect of prayer is that it brings. Hence the importance of having a personal prayer life and communal one as well.
Prayer puts us closer to God, alone, in private with him “But he (Jesus) used to withdrawto lonely places to pray“((Lk 5, 16).
And with brothers. When we pray in community, we assume “being” Mystical Body of Christ, we form His Church. “If two of you agree on earth for which you are to pray, it will be granted to you” (cf Mt 18,19).
The early Christians were with one heart, therefore they were together in prayer. “All these were persevering in prayer” (Acts 1, 14).
Deus o abençoe! [God Bless You!]
Sandro Arquejada
translated from portuguese