29th Sunday- Your Prayer in emergency

Your Prayer in Emergency…

Luke 18:1-8. Today, we can have access to any emergency services just by ‘dialing’ a few numbers on our telephone. In the UK, it is 999; in the European Union it is 112,  in India 100 and in some countries it is 911. There are also separate numbers to call the police, fire services, or medical assistance.   The first emergency number system to be used in the world was in London.  It was on 30 June 1937 that ‘999’ was first dialed and a special red light flashed on the telephone operator’s table.  Thus began the system of emergency services. Have we ever called an emergency number in our life?  If ever we called an emergency number, I am sure, it now brings to our mind some traumatic experience. In any case, the emergency number is not the most frequently dialed number on our personal telephone.  The most dialed number in your phone.is may be that of your lover, spouse, child, parent, friend, or business partner?  And what does that frequently dialed number say about your own priorities in life?

In the gospel today we have a reminder on making frequent calls to God. By the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow, Jesus emphasizes the “necessity of praying always and not losing heart.” Constancy in prayer is Faith in action.  Now, here is a more important question:  how would you describe your own acts of calling on God!  Are they emergency calls, or are they frequent calls?
-When you are facing danger, call on Psalm 91. Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Look at some the emergency numbers in sacred scriptures.

-When you are worried, call on Matthew 6:25-34 The Heavenly Father feeds everybody.
-When you are sad, call on John 14. Jesus Comforts His Disciples
-When you don’t feel loved, call on Romans 8:38-39. Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God
-When you feel no one is on your side, call on Romans 8:31-39 who shall separate us from the love of Christ
-When you are suffering, call on Romans 8:18-30 Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.
-When you need courage, call on Joshua 1. Never rebels against to the word of God. Be strong and courageous!
-When you are seeking peace, call on John 14:27. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
-When you want to live a happy life, call on Colossians 3:12-17. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, we are called to peace.
-When you don’t understand what God is doing, call on Isaiah 55:8-9. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Jesus tells us that we should pray, pray a lot, pray often, and be untiring in turning to God. Consistency, perseverance, steadfastness, along with continuing courage, is needed in our lives. When we are facing great difficulties along with emotional and spiritual crises of various sorts we may say: “I’ve tried everything. Now the only thing left to do is to pray.” Prayer should be our normal way of life, not just a last resort in times of difficulty. Stay always connection with God.

We live now in a world that offers us quick answers to our problems along with quick responses to our needs. All of our needs and wants can be fulfilled these days in no time at all. Most of our days are crowded and blocked with things to do. Within all of this,  we need prayer, meditation, and time with God.

- Personal prayer is of great importance in our life of prayer. Talking to God in our own words, praising Him, thanking Him and presenting our needs before Him -- transforms our whole life into prayer. Bring all our successes and failures, joys and sorrows, highs and lows to God in prayer.

- Never expect to get whatever we pray for. A loving father may refuse or accept our requests. God is like that. He knows what to give, when to give and how to give it. Only God knows what is good for us in our life.

- To make our prayers effective, be consistent. Our prayers do not change God's will. Instead, they bring our minds into line with God’s reasons.  Sincere and persistent prayer makes us ready to accept His will.

There is a way to pray with the heart, which God can hear, and answer. To speak from the heart is to speak to the heart. God can read our heart, and that is more important than any words we might say. Prayer is not an isolated act – it is a way of life. We need each other’s prayers. We need each other’s strength.

Fr. George Munjanattu OFMConv.