What is the impact of praying traditional prayers? Many see the graces of God in saying the Rosary, having quiet time to pray and reflect, even worship music is a form of Prayer. There's a reason Jesus gives us the Our Father, which not only affirms our faith, but gives us graces each time we say it. I know for myself that it helps to be doing a constant activity, like running, or driving, to take the time to just focus in on God, to take time for prayer. If we don't have this time, and work on ourselves, asking for God's help, it's more difficult to feel God's grace.
Today's First Reading states:'Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven; and said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like Thee, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to thy servants who walk before thee with all their heart; "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of Thy Servant and to his supplication, O LORD my God, hearkening to the cry and to the prayer which thy servant prays before thee this day; that thy eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which thou hast said, `My name shall be there,' that thou mayest hearken to the prayer which thy servant offers toward this place. And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant and of thy people Israel, when they pray toward this place; yea, hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place; and when thou hearest, forgive'(1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30).
In today's Reading, we hear the importance of prayer, how God takes onto account His most faithful, and even though things may not go our way, that God guides us on the right path. In our world, it's too easy to ask and ask and become angry when things don't go our way. What needs to happen is to pray for everything God gives, no matter the outcomw, and be thankful. Take some time to ask God to help you bea prayerfuland thankful disciple.
Today's prayer comes from 'knowing Jesus' a prayer for knowing God's grace in my life:
Help me, O God, because, like all the children of men. I need your daily grace. Yesterday’s blessings can encourage but will not take care of the burdens of today. May I know Thee as the Shepherd of my life and eternal soul. May my fears be dissolved by faith in Thee and through the power of Thy love. Help me to love and manifest the spirit of love under all circumstances to all people. May my life he a glory to Thyself, a help to my fellow-man and rewarding to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
