The Untapped Potential in Prayer

As I was reflecting on this morning’s Liturgy of the Hours prayer, I was drawn to a sermon attributed to St. Augustine of Hippo, about prayer.  Called “Let us exercise our desire in prayer”, St. Augustine explains that God knows what we want, but wishes us “to exercise our desire through our prayers, so that we may be able to receive what He (God) is preparing to give us”. Augustine further offers that “our capacity is too small and limited to receive it”. Lastly, from Augustine, “the deeper our faith, the stronger our hope, the greater our desire, the larger will be our capacity to receive that gift, which is very great indeed”.

Jesus told us “whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24-25). We should take Christ at His word. Perhaps the unanswered prayer is somewhat a reflection of our own lacking capacity to receive God’s gifts, due to deficits in believing (faith), a nagging sense of unworthiness, or by living a life out of step with God’s will and purpose.

Accordingly, by achieving a closer alignment with God’s plan, and reaching a greater harmony in living a life that is more pleasing to God, we are more open to receiving God’s blessings through prayer, thereby finding a greater measure of peace and joy today, and for all eternity with Christ Jesus!

Have a Blessed Sunday!
Joe