PRAYER
“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” – Soren Kierkegaard
One expression of this attitude is when we stop and give thanks to God before and after meals. I ask all believers to return to this beautiful and meaningful custom. That moment of blessing, however brief, reminds us of our dependence on God for life; it strengthens our feeling of gratitude for the gifts of creation; it acknowledges those who by their labours provide us with these goods; and it reaffirms our solidarity with those in greatest need. (Pope Francis, LS #227)
“Rejoice in the Lord always, I say it again: rejoice and may everyone experience your gentle and understanding heart. The Lord is near: do not be anxious about anything. In everything resort to prayer and supplication together with thanksgiving and bring your requests before God.” (Philippians 4:4-6, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION: At the heart of prayer, is the loving relationship between God and the human person. Prayer is a venue by which this loving relationship is nurtured. Prayer has also the power to positively change our direction in life. It makes us strong enough to face problems that will come our way. Because of prayer, it makes us believe that nothing is impossible with God. We are assured of His presence in our lives because we always encounter Him in prayer. When we pray to God, we become transformed and our relationship with others will be transformed, as well. Thus, prayer has the power to change people’s lives that lead us to an authentic transformation.
Key Statement: Prayer has the power to change people’s lives that lead us to an authentic transformation.
Personal Challenge: To believe in the power of prayer.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, today we appreciate the gift of prayer which brings us closer to You. We pray for those people who are in need of enlightenment to experience prayer as their means of connection with You. Let our prayers transform us to become better persons who are challenged to have a simple lifestyle and committed to a creative response to be faithful stewards of the earth. Amen.
ROMANO M. BULATAO is a Professor at Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City. He completed his AB Philosophy in 1990 at the Saint Anthony Mary Claret College (SAMCC), Quezon City; MA Religious Studies in 2003, and MA Philosophy in 2014, both in SLU; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology, Major in Missiology, at the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA) – SAMCC in 2021. Mr. Bulatao served as the Department Head of Religion at SLU (2006-2009); and President of the Kapatirang Claretiano Inc. – Pangasinan Chapter (KCI-PC), since 2011. He is the author of the book entitled Touching Thoughts A-Z published in 2009; translator of the Novena to Saint Anthony Mary Claret (from Pangasinan language to English) published in 2015; and the Novena kay San Antonio Maria Claret (from Pangasinan language to Filipino) published in 2020 by the Claretian Publications. ((romanobulatao@yahoo.com)
