Posted by FatherTim at 5/19/2009 11:37 AM EDT
My friends,

It occurred to me that I could put my humble blog to a greater use than simply chronicling my own thoughts and (occasionally...) criticisms. It can be a place where we all can come together to ask for God's Blessing and Love for all those who are sick, and indeed, for any special intentions that you, my friends and readers, may have.

You may ask for -- and you will receive -- my prayers and the prayers of all who read this journal simply by "commenting" (use the button below). You may give any amount of detail you wish, or none. A simple "Pray for my Mother" or even "Pray for my special intention" is sufficient.

In Matthew 6:6, Jesus told us how we are to pray:

"When you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father Who is in secret, and Your Father who Sees what is done in secret will reward you."

This is, in fact, one of the few times Jesus ever actually "instructs" us on anything in the Bible, as most of His Teaching comes in parables and by the example of His Own Life. How fitting that His Teaching on prayer is so simple that it does not require a visit to our church, or to a shrine, or the lighting of a candle, or a donation of money, or anything but to open our minds in quiet so that we may touch His Own Mind.

In many ways, the only prayer that is ever needed is that God's Will be done, because His Will for all His Children is perfect peace and happiness, and union with Him.

His Will be done.

Nonethless, the Catholic Church (and all religions) recognizes the use of specific prayers -- as well as the taking of the Sacraments, the saying of The Rosary -- as other ways of living our faith and touching the Mind of God. They are useful not because God is more apt to answer us if we say a hundred prayers rather than one, but because they can orient our hearts and minds closer to His, and bring us the quietness and peace that is our birthright from Him.

May God bless you all!

-- Father Tim