Fears and Tears

Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; at the same time, pray for us too, that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak of the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, as I must speak. Colossians 4:2.

St. Paul writes about prayer; to persevere and protect it. He also goes on to ask for intercessory prayer for his mission given to him from God.

Today is the feast day of St. Monica. She is my inspiration and the confirmation saint that I chose. She persevered in prayer for many years for her family, especially her son Augustine. God answered her prayers abundantly as Augustine had a huge conversion and became a great saint and doctor of the Church.

St. Paul gives us a beautiful writing on the importance and call to prayer. To lift up our needs to God. It builds our humility, surrender and trust by showing our dependence on Him.

I find that as I start my day in prayer and guard that special time with the Lord, in the quiet and silence of the morning, it brings more peace and purpose to the day.

It allows me to be present to those around me and not get lost in my own thoughts. It pushes me outside of myself and to open my view to others needs.

I desire to continue in prayer throughout the day into evening with an upward gaze to the heavens. To keep the light of prayer burning. To pray without ceasing, to encourage one another, to be at peace as St. Paul says.

Lord, I thank you for this special time. Remind me Lord, to return to You, when the busyness of the day draws me away. I lift up my special prayer requests today, especially the grace of perseverance in prayer. St. Monica, pray for us, St. Augustine, pray for us. Amen.