June 2011
Reflections of God's Goodness

All of us long for a better, deeper prayer life. Why does it seem so difficult to cultivate this most important habit? As Americans, we tend to turn our longing into pressure – to try harder, pray longer or find the newest way!

Instead of judging whether our prayer is acceptable, believe that our every effort is pleasing to the good God. I believe one of the keys to a fruitful consistent prayer life is to invite the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our prayer and the action that flows from it. This is God’s work in us, not ours!

I can identify with the expression “Be patient with me, God isn’t finished with me yet!” It is true; we are not a finished product – but a work in progress! -- So be patient with yourself. God does not expect us to arrive at some “perfect prayer life” point. In fact, the Holy Spirit understands our challenges and our distractions. Gently the Spirit nudges us a little at a time to draw closer or to come more often to the well of our God’s amazing love, mercy and forgiveness.

The Holy Spirit is our encourager, enlightener and comforter. Scripture tells us He will teach us all we need to know. I find that comforting. It is growth that delights the God we meet each day in prayer. “I am the vine you are the branches.” Apart from God’s Holy Spirit, we cannot experience the fruit of a deep prayer life—the Peace that surpasses all understanding.

This summer, think about how Jesus taught us to pray. The Our Father is our model for prayer and shows us the ways we should pray—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. (ACTS). If you don’t already, keep a prayer journal where you record prayers, scriptures and specific things you have asked for. Give it a try. A journal helps us to remember the action of God in our life and our responses to him.

With St. Paul I pray for you:

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:16-21

Enjoy God’s gift of summer and enjoy your time with God.

Blessings,

Sr. Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
Director of Development