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Sunday, October 16, 2016

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29th Sunday Ordinary Time


Exodus 17:8-13
2 Timothy 3:14—4:2
Psalm 121:1-8
Luke 18:1-8

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"...the necessity of praying always and not losing heart." —Luke 18:1

Jesus teaches us in today's parable to pray in perseverance for our needs (Lk 18:1). Elsewhere in Scripture, Jesus reveals more about how to pray always with perseverance and power:

  • Pray by listening to God (Lk 10:38-42).
  • Pray in a love-relationship with "Abba" (Mt 6:9; Gal 4:6).
  • Pray with faith. Jesus is always looking for faith (Lk 18:8).
  • Pray without ever losing heart, that is, not growing weary and not going through the motions of prayer (Lk 18:1).
  • Pray the words of Scripture (2 Tm 3:16). Praying the Word of God has powerful force (Jn 10:35).
  • Pray in confident power with others (Mt 18:19-20; Acts 4:24-31; Ex 17:8-13).
  • "Pray in the Spirit" (Eph 6:18) using the spiritual gift of tongues. The Holy Spirit directly intercedes through us in tongues and helps us in our weakness (Rm 8:26).
  • Pray without ceasing (1 Thes 5:17).

Observe a young couple in love. They spend day after day in each other's presence without growing weary of each other. Therefore, ask Jesus to give you a new heart (Ez 36:26) and open it to receive the love He is pouring out through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). Then your prayer will grow in love instead of growing weary.

Prayer:  Father, may I pray not because I want something from You, but always because I want You.

Promise:  "All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching — for reproof, correction, and training in holiness." —2 Tm 3:16

Praise:  Praise Jesus, crucified and risen Lord. All glory, honor, and praise be to You!

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2016

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