”Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because* the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that in everything God works for good* with those who love him,* who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. – Romans 8:26-30”
To me, there is nothing so rewarding as sitting down to pray and feeling God’s presence and His involvement in my life. Knowing that I am not only not alone, but that He is right there, with me. I’m blessed that this is how it feels for me a good amount of the time that I sit down to pray. But occasionally, I sit down and don’t really feel anything.
I have often wondered why my prayer life can be so unpredictable. Ideally, if I could, I would love to have a rewarding experience every time. But, occasionally, despite doing the same things I always do, I am not really “connected”.
In today’s reading, I am reminded that it is okay to occasionally not feel a connection. In James Martin’s book, “Learning to Pray”, he makes the point that spending time with our Lord is never a waste of time. And I agree with him.
Sr. Mary Mercy Lee, F.S.E., tells us of her story of how she was hospitalized at some point and her father came day after day to spend time with her. They didn’t always have a lot to say, but his presence in the room was still a welcome experience. It comforted her.
I suppose this is how it is sometimes with dry prayers. We sit, we pray, and even when we are not feeling something inside us at that moment, it’s okay. It isn’t wasting time. It isn’t useless and we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is still within us, accompanying us.
God works in mysterious ways much of the time, and just because we didn’t feel the connection when we wanted to feel it doesn’t mean that the time wasn’t worthwhile. Being there, with God, in His presence is part of growing the relationship with Him. I believe that the effort is still worth it.
For me, I feel good that I pray, even if I don’t get what I want out of it all the time. Makes moments when the connection is there stronger, when I do feel it.
Pray with Dad 