A WORD FOR TODAY 24 JULY 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*PRAY WITH PERSEVERANCE*

_"And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."(Luke 11:9-10)_

_*The readings of today focuses on the theme of prayer and how well we are to pray for it to be answered. Infact, prayer as the raising up of our mind and heart to God is something we cannot do without and any serious person who does not joke with his or her faith, must work hard everyday to grow in it.*_

_Prayer is not magic, but a lifestyle. If you are in God and with Christ, then you must pray, because that is the way and channel through which you connect with God in thanksgiving and in supplication for mercy and blessings._

_*Last week we saw how Abraham entertained the angels who were on a mission and they blessed him. The Lord revealed to him what was to befall Sodom and Gomorrah and he immediately interceded for them. The attitude of Abraham is worthy of emulation. He dialouged with God and pleaded for mercy for the people, He never gave up but persevered.*_

_The same lesson is what we find in the gospel reading. Jesus was praying and when the disciples came to ask Him to teach them how to pray, He simply taught them the 'Our Father'. It has everything a good prayer should be. And he went further to teach them how they should pray._

_*A good prayer must come from the heart and the one who prays must believe that God will answer and therefore, he or she must never give up, but believe in God's will to come to fulfillment at all times after you have offered your petitions to God.*_

_Perseverance in prayer produces result, therefore, when you pray, do not just pray for praying sake, pray with faith, seek the face of God with all your heart and you will definitely receive from Him. Our God is compassionate and merciful and He can give every good gift, therefore, never give up when you seek His face, He will answer you in accordance to His will._

_*Go down on your knees and begin to pray well, not just for yourself alone, but for others who may be in need. Intercede for them like Abraham did, stand in the gap between them and God as a watchman as Moses did in Numbers 12, storm heaven with your supplications with faith and perseverance and you will receive immense blessings from the Lord. You cannot pray if you do not start to pray, praise God, ask for your needs, intercede for others, meditate, conemplate and trust that you shall receive.*_

_For your prayer to be efficacious, you need to pray from a clean heart, you must concentrate when you pray and avoid distraction, you must persevere with faith and listen patiently as God responds to all you have asked. Create a quality time and atmosphere condusive for praying well and you will always have a testimony to share. How long you pray does not really matter, but how well, therefore, make your prayer not to be a waste of time and energy, but something that will change your life and make God's glory to manifest always._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a magnificent Sunday, may Jesus answer the prayers you offer this day. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Genesis 18:20-32/Psalm 138:1-3,6-8/Colossians 2:12-14/Luke 11:1-13

*Watch-Word:* On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.

_*If you have prayed and you have not received, do not give up, pray again and stay hopeful, God will surely answer you and open a door for you which no one can shut.*_

(Seventeenth Sunday in the ordinary time. Year C)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*