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The Catechism in 2590 tells us that "prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." How often have you prayed to God only to remain waiting? Do you think God is not listening? How did you learn how to pray? It was most likely as a child at the side of your parents or grandparents. It may even have been by a priest or nun in school. The point is, most of us are still praying in that child-like way. We still are asking God for created things. Raising one's mind and heart to God means that we are asking for God's will in all things. When you pray, do you ask that God do his will? If you are like most of us, your prayer is more often about your needs and wants. It is about your desires and not the will of God. Now I realize that many of us pray for other people. I spent the last few days in deep prayer asking God to spare a friend's life. I considered it a good thing from God. However, the answer to my and many others prayers on this occasion was no. Our dear friend left this earth for greater glory. She was called home by our Father to serve Him in another capacity. Very frequently, God's answer to our prayers is no because He knows that the created thing we are praying for is not going to bring us the happiness we think. He knows everything and He knows when to tell us no. The understanding of God's love and compassion, His plan for our lives, is very comforting. We often are angry when we are told no but have you ever stopped to think about the why of God telling us no? The next time you find yourself praying for something that you think will bring you ultimate happiness, think about the real reason you want it. Is it replacing something more substantial in your life? Is it replacing God? If the answer to your prayer is no, take the time to pause and reflect on why that is the right answer. God is our protector. He is always ready to embrace us and keep us from harm. So let's begin to practice to pray in the more enlightened way described in the Catechism. Raise your heart and mind to God as you pray. Ask that His will be done in all things and remember to pray for wisdom. He is ready to answer our prayers when He knows it will help us towards the ultimate goal of life everlasting with Him.

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