something to share

extract from reflection;
St. Peter tells us, "Remain calm so that you will be able to pray." If we truly believe that we can trust God and that since God is trustable, he will respond to our prayers with goodness, then we of course remain calm. What is there to be perturbed about?

If we know – really know – that God is in charge and that no matter what the evidence at the moment looks like, our prayers WILL be answered, then we have no anxiety, no worry, no fear, no doubt – we never get uptight or impatient. In this calm spirit, our prayers have great strength.

While there is value in persistent prayer, repetitious prayer does not work magic. Peter says, "Remain calm so that you will be able to pray." What matters is our relationship with God in prayer, not the amount or type of prayer.

Peter gives us a few additional keys that unlock the power of your prayer life. Re-read the passage from his letter and meditate on how each of his instructions increases your love and therefore your trust level.

(1Peter 4:7-13)
The end of all things is at hand.
Therefore be serious and sober-minded
so that you will be able to pray.
Above all, let your love for one another be intense,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another
as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God;
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies,
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you,
as if something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ,
so that when his glory is revealed
you may also rejoice exultantly.