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Finding Patience Through Prayer

The month of June informs us that half the year has gone, and as I pen this message on behalf of the Virden and Area Ministerial, God has been over generous with rains, we pray for a little generosity.
Ministerial
Rev. Leo Fernandes, Sacred Heart Church, Virden

The month of June informs us that half the year has gone, and as I pen this message on behalf of the Virden and Area Ministerial, God has been over generous with rains, we pray for a little generosity.

Soon parents will be preparing for road trips and hearing the familiar question – are we there? How much longer? Can we have a bathroom break? etc.
As we enter into summer heat, our contemplative spirit comes into play which means we take things in stride and our patience is not lost in traffic, shopping line-ups, lighting up the barbecue, and especially those we love dearly where we take liberty in losing patience. The danger of constant loss of patience can make one a “patient”. This demands we cultivate the patience of Job.
The cultivation of patience is through prayer and meditation which requires time set aside daily in one’s life.
There are many books on the subject of praying and meditation, the key is to start doing it or as Nike says – just do it . The excuse most give for failing to pray is: I have no time as I have so many things to accomplish. You will always have things to do, but it is quiet prayer when we begin to see what is most needed and what can be accomplished.
In this society we have all kinds of household gadgets to make life easier so as to give us more time to relax, so how is it we lack time and are tired? Some even need time to rest after a holiday.
A quick look at the lifestyle of Jesus our Master and Saviour and we see time for prayer was part of His daily life. For it is in the quiet of prayer He hears the Father speak and give direction, which at times can be challenging, and yet the challenge is for our own benefit for it will make us better in our encounters with others and helps relieve stress in our lives.
Prayer is both individual and in community. Individual prayer can be done in private where one communicates with God. Prayer should not be confused with a constant asking / talking; it also involves listening to what God has to say, and He does speak but we have to shut up and listen, which can be a challenge for those who enjoy the sound of their own voice.

By the way, God gives us what we need not what we want. That is why some say, “My prayer has not been answered for I prayed to win the lottery.” Well, God did answer. He said “No, not today!”

Our prayers are always answered according to God’s plan, that is what we should remember.

Should you ask, “How do I know God is speaking?” here is a simple test: The good things that I am reluctant to do are what God is asking me to do.

And when you follow through upon God’s request, you will feel good about yourself. Good honest prayer will bring about change. Let us not fear change.

All this talk on prayer began with seeking to cultivate the virtue of patience. Well, let us put it to rest in patience.

God Bless and prayers for you and your families.
Rev. Leo Fernandes
Sacred Heart Church, Virden.

Quote for reflection: Our minds are like crows, they pick up everything that glitters no matter how uncomfortable our nests get. - Thomas Merton

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