December 28, 2006

Trust in the Lord

(Part 2 of 3)

If we really trusted in the Lord, we would pray not for what we want, rather for what we need. There could be a big difference between the two. We often receive prayer requests at the friary. We dutifully write these requests in a log book which is placed before a beautiful icon of the Madonna and child. A vigil candle perpetually burns before this image. As we gather for prayers throughout the day, we friars lift up those intentions. Sometimes we get word that a particular intention has been resolved. Sometimes it feels like our prayers fall on deaf divine ears.

What if the Lord answered yes to every prayer? It would be a disaster! This scenario was played out, with much humor, in the movie Bruce Almighty. Bruce’s life is not going as he wants. In a moment of desperation, he cries out to heaven, “Do you know what you are doing? I could do a better job!” This is a profound moment. How many of us have been there? God allows Bruce to act as God for one week. Using divine email, Bruce answers yes to all the many prayer requests which constantly come into his mind. It turns out to be quite a disaster. By the end of the movie, Bruce decides that God is doing just a fine job!

 

There was a TV show last year which documented the often terrible consequences in the lives of those who had won the lottery. Even looking back on some of the bone-head things I prayed for, I am now grateful that the Lord did not give me what I wanted! When we don’t get what we want, let us make an act of trust in Him.

 

Pray, pray, pray

 

Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR

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