Thursday, 12th October, 2023.
The Greek word “diateléo” which translates the English “persistence” literally means “to complete, continue or persevere.” It equally refers to something that is done thoroughly and constantly to an end. In biblical literature and among the early apostles (Acts 27:33), the word “diateleo” means continuing in a certain state or course of action (cf Greek-English Concordance).
Persistent prayer is never an act of persuading or convincing God, but a continuous submissive and persevering disposition to the plan of God. This constitutes the fundamental understanding of Catholic teaching on prayer.
This is biblical evidence in the Lord’s prayer he taught his disciples yesterday (Lk 11:1-4). Continuing on the same premise, Jesus outrightly enjoined his disciples to ASK, SEEK and KNOCK, and it shall be done unto you. The Church tells us that all prayers are answered but not solely according to our will but God’s. God answer prayer in three major ways;
(1) “Yes”; Instantly
(2) “Yes not now”; i.e delay
(3) “Yes not at all” i.e. deny.
It is instructive and pellucid to append that no among of acrobatic prayer, “dry or wet fasting”, shouting or crying would change God, rather these are meant to deepen our understanding of the will of God for us in a given situation.
The moral questions for the day are:
*What have you been asking or seeking?
*Is your intention pure?
*How persistent are you in your request?
It is good to ask, but equally important to pray for something praiseworthy, and equally listen to what God has to say about your situation.
If you do not ASK for the right thing, you may be SEEKING the wrong thing and the DOOR will definitely not be open to you. Persistence is an expression of faith.
*Do not quit.
*Do not be silent.
*A closed mouth is a closed destiny (Ps 81:10).
PRAYER:
We turn to You heavenly Father, asking, seeking and knocking for divine favor and blessings. May the door of success, promotion, good luck and favour be open to us this week. May every impossibility be made possible. Lord in your clemency, open and answer us Amen.
READINGS OF THE DAY
*Malachi 3:13-4:2a
*Lk 11:5-13
Fr. Kenneth Oonee