SPEAK, LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING

SPEAK, LORD, YOUR SERVANT 

IS LISTENING
 

When Samuel hear’s God’s call, he says, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). This is the true spirit of prayer; not, “Listen, Lord, your servant is speaking!” Jesus shows that by prayer we attempt to submit our wills to the will of God, “Thy will be done.”  Prayer must never be an attempt to bend the will of God to our desires. When we submit our wills to his, miracles happen, and there is no greater miracle that the inner transformation of repentance and faith. Some years ago a very loving and humble elderly priest formed a prayer and study group for prisoners. At the end of the session, they all received a Christmas package. But they had to attend each session in order to receive the package. One prisoner, with a  life sentence for murder, heard about the prayer sessions with instructions in the Faith and wanted to attend. His sole purpose was the gift. However, after attending, he was deeply moved but the Catholic Faith and the offer for repentance from a merciful God. He asked for baptism. On fire with love, he is now a catechist. He has offered his life in prison for the salvation of his mother, a single barmaid who never knew love. This is the fruit of genuine prayer: 

one loving soul sets another on fire.


Reflection based on Matthew 6:7-15

Father Emmerich Vogt, O. P.




Father in Heaven, I willingly offer myself to you
to do with me as you will. Help me
to witness to your power, your love,
and your way of life.