Why Pray?

I guess this is one of the best ways to develop a relationship with God.  Everyone has their own special way of praying.  Some love the Rosary, some like to spend time in church and read the prayers in the missal, others pray scripture.  There are many ways to pray, prayers of petition, prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of praise,  meditation and contemplation. Most of us pray prayers of petition where we ask God for favors, such as finding a new job, helping us through a rough time and when a person close to us is ill, we pray for healing.

So why is it that some peoples prayers seem to be answered almost right away while with others it seems like God is not listening at all?

There is the story of the man who spent every day praying at the Wailing Wall the holiest shrine in Jerusalem.  He did this for years, then one day someone asked him if God ever answered his prayers.  His reply was,"It is like talking to a wall, but, I know he is listening."



One day someone asked me why God did not answer his prayers regarding his grandmother who was elderly and died from cancer.  During our conversation I asked, "what makes you think your prayers were not answered."  obviously, she died.  Were you with her when she passed away?  Yes, "Was there anyone else with you and her?"  Yes, the whole family was there.  "Did your grandmother die peacefully?  Yes.  Would you like to die the same way your grandmother died? yes. Did you learn anything for your experience?  your prayers were answered, but not the way you expected.  The lesson learned is that, the peace of Christ was with you and your family His love was hovering over your grandmother welcoming her into His Kingdom.

Like the man at the Wailing Wall, don"t give up, just be aware of how He answers. He is the God of Surprises.

Deacon Robert Lemay