on the power of prayer

Daniel 3:25,34-43

Here are the opening lines of the first reading for this tuesday during Lent.

"Azariah stood up in the fire and prayed aloud:"

Think about that for a moment. Azariah is standing in fire while praying. As I mentioned before, prayer has a way of cooling the heat of our lives. Prayer has a way of disarming the burning sensation with often experience in the various circumstances of our lives.

Here are a few words from St. Josemaria Escriva on prayer.

"Slowly. Think about what you're saying, who is saying it and to whom. Because talking fast, without pausing for reflection, is only noise-the clatter of tins cans. Along with St. teresa I'll tell you that, however much you move your lips, I do not call it prayer."

"You seek the friendship of those who, with their conversation and affection, with their company, help you to bear more easily the exile of this world-although sometimes those friends fail you. I don't see anything wrong with that. But how is it that you do not seek everyday, more eagerly, the company, the conversation of that great friend who will never fail you?"


"Mary has chosen the better part, we read in the holy Gospel. There she is, drinking in the words of the Master. Apparently idle, she is praying and loving. Afterwards she accompanies JEsus in his preaching through towns and villages. Without prayer, how difficult it is to accompany him!"

"Don't tell Jesus you want consolation in prayer. But if he gives it to you, thank him. Tell him always that what you want is perseverance."


"If you don't keep in touch with Christ in prayer and through the Eucharist then how can you make him known to others?"

Pray on!