First Prelude: In spirit place yourself among the disciples, and listen reverently to our Blessed Saviour’s consoling promise.
Second Prelude: Grant me grace, O my Jesus, always to appear before Thee with humility and reverence, and to pray with fervor and perseverance.
First Point
Jesus wills us to persevere in fervent prayer
How fittingly Holy Church chooses for these days the gospel narrative of a friend who, coming to his friend at night, by his incessant entreaties, at last obtained relief.
What an admirable picture of the power of prayer, which even triumphs over the Will of God! Men often become irritated on being urged, but God, on the contrary, is pleased with our perseverance. It would seem that we never cause Him more joy than when we use a holy violence, as did the patriarch of old: “And he said to him: ‘Let me go, for it is break of day.’” “He answered: ‘I will not let thee go except thou bless me’” (Moses 32, 26). Our loving Mother, Holy Church, teaches us to persevere in prayer by directing us to repeat the same petitions frequently as we do in the litanies. How repeatedly do we say: “We beseech Thee, hear us!” We will endeavor, in union with all fervent Christians, to make these days truly days of pious prayer, since, as religious, we are under an especial obligation to draw down upon the earth the blessings of heaven by our fervent supplications. The pauper does not tire of begging for alms. Mindful of our misery and helplessness, we must likewise entreat God with all the ardor of our soul. Let us beg the Holy Ghost for the fire of love, for an intense desire, that it may bear our heart, as it were, on wings, heavenward.
What reproaches do I deserve for my lack of fervor and perseverance in prayer?
Second Point
We should pray with reverence and humility
Is it not written in Holy Scripture (Ecclus. 35, 21) that the prayer of him that humbleth himself shall pierce the clouds? If we appear before God penetrated with our utter misery, and represent to Him our pitiful condition; if we say to Him as a pauper to a rich man: Lord, behold my indigence; I hunger and thirst for Thy graces, I am despoiled of virtue and all that is good, God will not turn a deaf ear, but in His loving mercy will come to our assistance. Does He not manifest an especial tenderness for the poor, who, realizing their dependence and helplessness, cry to Him from the depths of their heart? Do we, furthermore, consider to whom we address ourselves when we pray? We speak to God, Whose powerful voice makes the pillars of heaven tremble, before Whom even the seraphim in reverence veil their faces. Must not we poor mortals be penetrated with profoundest respect for Him Whom all the heavens humbly adore? At the same time, are we not imploring an offended God, Whom we have greatly dishonored by sin? Would we obtain pardon for our sins, then like the publican, who was justified because of his great humility, we must humble ourselves. The saints, though they enjoyed God’s especial favor, profoundly abased themselves. “Dare I speak to my Lord whereas I am dust and ashes?” said the holy patriarch Abraham (Moses 18, 27). “Who art Thou, O Lord, and who am I that I dare appear before Thee?” cried St. Francis of Assisi. And we, poor sinners, often act as though God Almighty were indebted to us. Let us then present our petitions to Him with profound humility and respect that we may be heard. Do I pray with outward reverence and inward fervor? Are my sentiments those of the truly humble and lowly of heart? This disposition is the surest pledge of God’s special favor.
Affections: O Divine Saviour, Who in infinite love didst pass days and nights in prayer to Thy heavenly Father for me and for all mankind, grant me the spirit of prayer. Thou knowest how much I stand in need of it, and that of myself I can never attain it. I realize, my dearest Lord, that I have frequently been guilty of tepidity, of distractions, of irreverence in prayer, that I frequently yield to mistrust and repugnance, which rob my prayers of all fruit. O my Saviour, be Thou moved at sight of my misery, have compassion with my weakness. In Thy infinite mercy, imbue me with a great desire for Thy divine assistance, and an humble and enduring confidence in Thy infinite goodness. Excite in all hearts a holy fervor that our united prayers may draw down abundant graces upon ourselves and the whole Church, during this holy season.
Resolution: I will pray with great interior fervor and outward respect.
Spiritual Bouquet: “The prayer of the just man shall pierce the clouds.”
Prayer: Our Father…
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