Persevering in Prayer

Alexander Pope, one of Britain’s most famous Catholic poets, wrote, ‘Hope springs eternal in the human breast.’ This is now an oft-repeated quote, but just how many of us realise that prayer sustains hope? Today’s readings dwell on the need to pray at all times—a theme at the heart of Christian living. Saints and spiritual masters down the ages have discussed it at length.

The manner in which the First Reading (Ex 17: 8-13) describes the struggle between the Amalekites[i] and the Israelites may lead some to believe that prayer is a magical formula or that God has his favourites whom He grants all requests. Notably, while Moses directed Joshua, his successor, to engage Amalek in battle, he himself kept watch and prayed incessantly for the success of his nation’s efforts.

God does not save us unless we partake of our own salvation. Therefore, we must do what we can before expecting God and our fellow humans to help us. Moses held supernatural trust and confidence in the Lord. Aaron, his elder brother and first High Priest of Israel, and Hur, an Israelite leader, possibly of the tribe of Judah, who served as a companion to Moses and Aaron, helped him. Their collective effort teaches us that when we have done our best, God does the rest!

In the Gospel story of the Unjust Judge (Lk 18: 1-8), Jesus impresses upon his disciples the need to always pray without becoming weary. The parable bears a close resemblance to that of the Friend at Midnight (Lk 5: 8). Elsewhere, Jesus says, ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ (Lk 11: 9). Yet, we should not take God for granted. We must ensure that our prayer is worthy and pleasing to God; we must pray in humility, faith, and perseverance.

That’s not all. A key aspect of prayer is to talk less and listen more; not try to bend God’s will to ours but our will to His. An indulgent parent may grant their child any request; but not God, who will concede only what is in our interest and in keeping with His omniscience. Hence, St. Augustine suggests that we pray as if everything depended on God and work as if everything depended on us. His wise counsel can bring us peace of heart.

In a godless world, many may doubt the efficacy of prayer, but they are the poorer for it. It is not a good idea to challenge God, who has us in His hand. Our pride prevents us from acknowledging God’s presence and works. Thankfully, those who are open to His loving kindness will stoutly say with Tennyson: ‘More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of’.

It is absurd to deny or forget that we are beneficiaries of God’s loving kindness. However, we are quick to say that corrupt men and women enjoy a great time on earth and demand that God show His justice forthwith! He will, in His time. Meanwhile, we must acknowledge the miracles He has wrought in our lives. God never forgets the labour of love done to honour Him. ‘He will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.’

In fact, the Evangelist makes a cutting retort to ungrateful humans: ‘When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?’ These words are an eye-opener to the present state of the world, whose words and actions often affront God’s Holy Name. Woe to us if our love for God has grown cold! In the Second Reading (2 Tim 3: 14–4: 2), St. Paul exhorts us to ‘remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it’.

The Sacred Scriptures and Tradition are our rock, guiding us to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. We ought not to twist them and cosy up with the New World Order; rather, we are to use the Scriptures ‘for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness’. The Apostle to the Gentiles urges us to ‘proclaim the Word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, and encourage through all patience and teaching.” We are called to serve the Lord—to be ‘joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Rom 12: 12).

Banner: Five saints depicted in the Eglise du Sablon, Brussels

[i] Amalekites were the descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau who was the twin brother of Jacob (later called Israel). The Amalekites became a nomadic tribe and the enduring enemy of the Israelites. This is remembered by the Jews to this day, but historically its occurrence is debatable. Hence, today, the battle is just symbolic of evil and perpetual hostility.