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August 14, 2006
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Friar Jack’s Inbox:
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by Friar Jim Van Vurst, O.F.M.
It is essential that we realize that prayer has nothing to do with magic. Magic is based on illusion and the unreal. Prayer, on the other hand, is a real aspect of our loving, dependent and trusting relationship with God. It is as real as our faith is real, even though both involve mystery. While prayer can become “magical” to us (because there is always the little child within us that believes in magic), it is actually an act of faith and trust. Jesus said we need not multiply prayers. Some may think that saying more prayers increases our chances of influencing God. This is not true. Two rosaries are not better than one. In addition, if you can’t finish a rosary because you fall asleep at night, your prayer is not lessened. Remember, God is not an accountant. Prayer is in the heart, not on the lips. When we mix prayer with numbers, we may place more emphasis on the number rather than the prayer itself and more emphasis on us than upon the God to whom we pray. For example, novenas are a popular form of prayer with many people. There is nothing wrong with designating a number of days to pray for a particular need. However, the number of days doesn't help or lessen the power of the prayer. Such superstition is directed toward material things that are given unwarranted power. In prayer, power is to be given to God and God alone. Prayer is not aimed at manipulating God to do what we want. We sincerely pray for what we think we need and what is best for us and those around us, and it is perfectly fine to ask God for those things. We pray for health, good grades and safe travel. But we know that to neglect health, to skip studying or to drive at dangerous speeds and then pray for good health, high grades and safety on the highway would make a mockery of prayer. God expects us to use the intelligence and common sense that he gave us. People often get the idea that prayer is difficult. However, prayer is simply talking with God about our lives and needs and asking him to give us “our daily bread.” Prayer is also speaking in words of praise and thanks. It need not be formal; God isn’t concerned with that. God reads the language of the heart, whether it is the heart of a child or the heart of a mystic. People pray in all different ways. “I love you, Lord” are simple yet very important words. Would a wife or husband ever get tired of hearing “I love you” from a spouse? If you think about it, prayers become the very same loving words we address to our closest loved ones in our lives right here and now, except they are addressed to the Lord. In my own life, I have developed a habit of talking and praying to God during the day. Whenever something good happens in my life, no matter how insignificant it might seem to be, I pray, “Thank you, Lord.” It doesn’t mean the event or situation is “religious.” I’ll express thanks for small things like a good meal or even a safe journey home from work. And whenever I need help or find myself experiencing difficulty, even in the smallest situation, I pray, “Lord, help me.” No matter what it might be that I need. “Help, Lord” is just a two-word prayer, but it is an earnest petition to God. You would be surprised how often there is opportunity each day to pray, “Help me, Lord” or “Thank you, Lord.” But just think of those sacred moments for prayer when you come back to your pew after receiving the Eucharist with Jesus himself within you. You’ve already said “Amen” (which means “I believe”) when the priest or eucharistic minister holds the host before you and says, “The Body of Christ.” This is the time to sit in silence, talk to Jesus and pray for your loved ones and your needs. You’ve heard Jesus speak or act in the Gospel readings. Now he is personally within your body and your heart. We believe we are made in God’s image and likeness. We believe our destiny is to be with God and our loved ones for all eternity in heaven. Prayer is simply talking with God about our needs and hopes as we walk that journey each day. Dear Friar Jack: Thanks for another great column on St. Ignatius of Loyola. If God has work for us to do, and I believe he does for each of us, he’ll do what he has to do to get our attention. I think he’ll always be as subtle as possible, but in some cases he could decide to put the subtleties aside. Ignatius wanted to be a noble knight—a romantic hero. And he wanted to do it his way. God had a different path in mind for him—a different use for Ignatius’s gifts. So he let him get hit with a cannonball. Because that happened, and because it gave Ignatius the time to reconsider, St. Ignatius did live a noble life of heroic virtue and left us a legacy for the greater glory of God. Jon Dear Friar Jack: In a couple of minutes, I understood the whole life and purpose of a great saint. It was very inspiring and easy reading. Fr. Kingsley Dear Friar Jack: Thanks so much for doing this. I started Ignatius’s Exercises about a month ago for the first time, and they are fantastic. This saint has been on my mind! Thanks for the information, and I always look forward to your upcoming columns. Colleen Dear Friar Jack: What a wonderful article on St. Ignatius and the Jesuits! It was brief, informative and very inspiring. The mention of St. Francis Xavier was special to me; I'll anxiously await your article on him. Any idea where I can find a copy of his Spiritual Exercises? Thanks for your excellent ministry. Herb Dear Herb: My thanks go out to you, Herb, to the above-named and
to a good number of others who sent me e-mails in response to my E-spirations on
St. Ignatius of Loyola. I want to reply especially to your question, Herb, as to where
one can find a copy of the Spiritual Exercises. I’m not an expert on the Exercises but
some months ago I asked a Jesuit friend who teaches at Xavier [Jesuit] University in Cincinnati
for his advice. A book he recommended is Draw Me Into Your Friendship: A Literal Translation
and A Contemporary Reading of the Spiritual Exercises. The author is David L. Fleming,
S.J. I found the book in our local Catholic bookstore in Cincinnati (St.
Francis Bookshop). I have only paged through the book at this point, but I am impressed
by what I see there. Maybe you can find the book in a Catholic bookstore near you. Or ask
if they have St. Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises under a different title or
format. Let me again remind you and all my readers that I keep you in my prayers. Send your feedback to friarjack@americancatholic.org. |
Is
prayer a real form of communication? 
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A Message From Friar Jack
Welcome! I hope you’ll enjoy all of the news about what’s
happening at AmericanCatholic.org, as well as my “musings.” By the way, I am
a real Franciscan friar, as is my coworker, Friar Jim. You
can find out more about us here.
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