The longer I’ve written this blog, the more I’ve come to understand that I’m not the only one for whom prayer is crucial to coping with illness, pain, and other crises. For many of you, too, prayer is like spiritual food, essential and unceasingly necessary.

So, each Saturday, I’m going to devote my blog to prayer. Not “prayers,” but the act of praying in all its many facets. I do this in hopes that our prayer lives may become even more full, abundant, and light-giving – an activity and a vocation that is a blessing to all.

Today: What works?

Let’s be honest, many times we pray in hopes of receiving an answer from God. And, we hope that that answer will be the one we want. So, we might be tempted to try “prayer that works,” whether it is a different ritual, different wording, or different posture (internal or external).

But, so often, what we want out of prayer is not what God wants for us. That’s as hard for me to type as it might be for you to hear. But, it’s true. We are human, with a finite ability to discern and desire. Only God knows what is ultimately “The Good” for each of us.

So, if you’re searching for “prayer that works,” I gently suggest that you not search so much for a way of praying, but rather for an attitude toward prayer. That is, take time to pray, most definitely, but also take time to listen. Listen willingly. Listen humbly.

Listen for God’s voice and the ability to accept His answers.

For, ultimately, prayer that works is when we hear God’s reply – and we love Him even more.

Blessings for the day,

Maureen