Prayer in the Time of Lent

Prayer can be done in many different ways: verbally, contemplation, petitions, devotions, praise, song, thanksgiving and so on. As a little kid I would stand in line with my brother and sisters, and wait for our parents to make the Sign of the Cross on our forehead before bedtime. As a young child at St. Mary of Carmel, Sister Sheila taught us the order of our morning & night prayers starting with the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition, and finishing with the Angel of God. Jesuit Dallas has taught me that prayer can also be silent, but primarily in deeds more than in words as St. Igantius told his first companions.

In today’s readings we are reminded of the call to prayer. This can be seen in the humility of Queen Esther, or within the responsorial psalm as we seek for help and discover that God does answer us. Today’s gospel reminds us of the promise our Lord Jesus Christ made to his apostles about the Golden Rule: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you”. These reminders can help us prepare in the lenten season to become closer to God.

Continuing with the theme of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus also reminds us of three forms of prayer: ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened. These three forms are unique ways that anyone at any time can pray. Our Lord kept it simple for anyone to understand and if we employ any of them, it will give us the opportunity to grow our relationship with God. Sometimes we have to let go of our pride and ask. Sometimes we have to let go of our ego, and we need to seek. Sometimes the most difficult task is to knock and make people aware of our need for help. But a reminder that God always loves us, and God will always be there for us, and his greatest promise is that He will answer us.

The book of Esther is a promise of deliverance and protection. Many people may not be aware of the story of Esther, as she was made queen for her beauty, but ultimately she would be the salvation to her people. In the readings today, she humbles herself to God, becomes vulnerable, and is open about her prayer life. We too can look at Queen Esther, and let our guard down while praying; we can become open to dialogue and ask God for the help to receive His love in the time of lent. Our spiritual journey can become more virtuous by asking God for help through difficult times, just as Esther did -- she went from queen to servant. She is known for bravery and courage.

In this time of Lenten preparation, let us find a way to be strong and humble like Esther, and allow for Christ to enter into our hearts as we journey through our own prayer life.

Author: Raul Ornelas, Sophomore Counselor