9/JESUS
9/2 HOW TO PRAY
ASK FOR HELP. During his preaching,
many persons asked Jesus for help. The leper asked to be cured, the blind to
see, the lame to walk, and the sinner to be forgiven. Today there are many in
physical and spiritual need and should ask Jesus for help. One can say the Hail
Mary or Our Father anytime during the day asking for God's intersession. A good
habit is to pray in the morning and in the evening. This way of praying is
known as petitionary prayer.
ASK FOR HELP FOR OTHERS. Many came
to Jesus asking for help for others. The father asked for help for his sick
son, Mary asked for help for the newly married couple, and the Roman officer
asked for help for his sick servant. Jesus answered their requests. We know
people who need physical, spiritual, or financial help. Each day, along with praying
for our needs, we should remember to pray for the needs of others. This prayer
is known as intercessory prayer.
SHORT PRAYERS. Most people are very
busy and find little time for prayer. There is the prayer for this person
called the short prayer or the ejaculatory prayer. The following are examples
which can be said at any time, in any place and as often as one wishes.
"Jesus." "Jesus have mercy." "Jesus help me."
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph." "Mary, holy mother, help me." We
can also create our own prayer such as "St. Peter increase my faith."
All prayers will bring us strength and hope.
