Sunday, March 1 - Second Sunday in Lent

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-­18) 

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) 

Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words. (St. Francis of Assissi)

Oswald Chambers, the great devotional writer of the early 20th century, said that “Prayer is placing yourself in the presence of God.” To “pray without ceasing” is to make one’s whole life a prayer. That, of course, does not mean that you should be on your knees 24 hours a day. Actually, that was not the way Jesus prayed; that was the way pagans groveled before a ruler. Jesus stood upright, head raised up to heaven and arms up and extended, as all pious Jews were taught. His posture was one of joy and expectation, receiving blessings from His Heavenly Father. Consider the traditional manner in which a priest or pastor prays the prayers of the Church, especially in the Great Thanksgiving: head up, arms extended, palm up, thumb and forefinger joined, the other three fingers straight. (Try that in your personal prayers!)

When you go about your business every day reflect on God’s goodness, rejoice, and be thankful. That is a prayer. When you get up in the morning and when you go to bed at night, make the Sign of the Cross to sanctify and frame the day. That’s a prayer. Martin Luther says that in the morning when you wash your face and hands, remember your Baptism. That’s a prayer. When you thank God and ask His blessing on your food at mealtimes, that’s a prayer.

When you sit at your desk or in your favorite chair or in a walk outside and think of praying, try first to rid your mind of all extraneous thoughts, worries, anxieties. “Be still and know God.” We all too often approach our Lord when we want something. God then simply becomes “the God of the Gimmes.” Do what seems good to you by reading Scripture, a devotional writing or meditation as preparation. Relax. Be still. Allow God to speak first. Then you may bring out your laundry list. But, don’t be surprised if God tells you it is already taken care of!

Ralph Heller