The surplus needed

Tuesday January 25, 2022

The surplus needed

Persevere in prayer, watch over it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4.2

When we speak of prayer, it is most often by giving it the meaning of a request. It is true that to ask God is to pray. But this is only one aspect and, probably, the least important of all.

The verse on which we stop uses a Greek word which, in fact, includes all its forms : request, request, intercession, supplication, but also praise and thanksgiving. The Greek words are different but all are summarized in the one Paul uses here.

What is amazing is that the apostle added : “with thanksgiving” when these are already included in this generic word “prayer”. It is that he gives it a special place. Certainly, it is a question of praying sometimes in one way, sometimes in another, but never without adding the expression of gratitude. Is it easy ? Yes, if we have learned to recognize, to count and to remember all that we owe to God at all times. This changes the perspective, the climate of our prayers and that of our entire existence.

Of course, let us present to God the needs of our loved ones, let us intercede for our brothers and sisters in faith, add our own wishes to it – why not ? – but let it be with thanksgiving... for all that we already owe Him and for whatever answers He will give to it... and, if not, by claiming his forgiveness and his life.

Richard Douliere

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Proposed reading : Gospel according to Luke, chapter 11, verses 1 to 4.

11.1 Jesus was praying one day in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples said to him : Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.

11.2 He said to them : When you pray, say : Father ! Hallowed be thy name ; thy kingdom come.

11.3 Give us daily our daily bread ;

11.4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who trespasses against us ; and lead us not into temptation.

Source (Live Today)