Yesterday, I was struck by a quote from the movie ‘Shadowland’, a very old movie about the famous C.S. Lewis. He said that prayer doesn’t change God, that prayer changes me.
I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I am helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me. – C.S. Lewis
I thought about how I need to be praying persistently, and more importantly, I have to pray persistently – until it changes me. Often, we pray to change our situation, our job, or our (addictive) habits, our children, even our spouse! So, my prayer should be to change me – to change my perspective or my mindset – to develop my character or to strengthen me.
Many times, we are unable to control our situation, but we can control how we react to the situation. We can control our perspective of the situation, and hence, we can change from a negative to a positive perspective. That each situation is a lesson in the making, and that we can learn from our failures and mistakes, and hence grow stronger from the experience. Our prayer should help us to see God’s will for us and how He wants to change us and develop our character. That, I believe, is one of the important aspect of Prayer.
Hi Anne, love what you wrote. Prayer is my daily focal point. It is where I seek help, consolation, thanksgiving and gratefulness.
Thanks, Julia!
Yes Anne Marie thanks for the reinforcement. I am praying that in this Advent I will pray more.
Thanks, Regina. Believe in the power of PRAYER!
Great writing Ann Marie,thanks. My SIL just called me & complained about her 2 teenage kids. “Oh they are totally out of control” all I said to her was step back & pray. As mother’s that’s one very important thing we can do for our kids especially when we are helpless & so in need of God
So beautifully written. You have captured the Ignatian Spirituality Program in its essence. Bravo👏👏💐💐👏👏PRAY TO SEE GOD IN ALL THINGS