Have you become discouraged because you haven’t found an answer to prayer?
In a thought-provoking episode of “Father Simon Says,” Fr. Richard Simon explores the deep waters of perseverance in prayer. Here’s what you should know!
📬 Listener’s Dilemma
A listener writes in, wrestling with a tough question: “How do I know if God’s answer is ‘no’ or ‘wait’? Should I give up on my prayer?” Fr. Simon’s response is both profound and practical.
The Purpose of Persistent Prayer
Father explains that persistent prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind but transforming our own hearts. Here’s the breakdown:
Prayer as a Filter: Constant prayer helps us sift through our desires, distinguishing the fleeting wants from the deep-seated needs.
Aligning with God’s Will: Prayer is about aligning our will with God’s, saying, “Thy will be done,” as taught in the Our Father. This ancient prayer starts by acknowledging God as our Father and submitting to His will.
🙏 God’s Gentle Approach
Fr. Simon emphasizes a remarkable truth: God is a gentleman. He respects our free will and doesn’t impose His will upon us. Instead, He invites us to consent to His plan through prayer.
💡 The Depth of True Desires
The real magic happens when we persevere in prayer:
Surface vs. Heartfelt Desires: We often start with trivial requests (like asking God to fix our lawn’s crabgrass 🌱). But when significant trials come, our prayers shift to what truly matters—health, love, faith.
Revealing Our True Values: Persistent prayer reveals our core values and deepest desires. If we can easily give up on a prayer, it wasn’t that crucial to us. But if we cannot let go, it shows the prayer is rooted in our heart’s deepest desires.
🌟 Ultimate Persistence: Heaven
The ultimate desire we should never give up on is heaven. Our persistence in prayer draws us closer to this eternal goal.
So, next time you’re tempted to give up on your prayers, remember Fr. Simon’s wisdom: Keep praying! Your perseverance is not just about the answer you seek but about growing closer to God’s heart and aligning with His divine will. 🙌🕊️
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