The great events at the end of the year will be prepared for by the simple prayers of faith at the beginning of the year. So let us begin the year walking by faith and prayer, and not by sight (see 2 Cor 5:7). The prayers of the Christmas season are seeds that will result in a great harvest later in the year. Therefore, let us sow bountifully so as to reap bountifully (see 2 Cor 9:6).
"The fervent petition of a holy man is powerful indeed" (Jas 5:16). Jesus promised: "I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these. Why? Because I go to the Father, and whatever you ask in My name I will do" (Jn 14:12-13). Therefore, let us pray always and not lose heart (Lk 18:1; 1 Thes 5:17).
St. John Chrysostom exclaimed: "Nothing is equal to prayer; for what is impossible it makes possible, what is difficult, easy" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2744). It is a privilege, power, and joy to pray. In the Holy Spirit, let us devote ourselves to prayer (Acts 2:42; Jude 20) to the Father, with Jesus, the great Intercessor (Heb 7:25). Pray!
| PRAYER: | Father, in this Christmas season, may I pray as never before. |
| PROMISE: | "A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen." –Mt 4:16 |
| PRAISE: | "So that at Jesus' name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" (Phil 2:10-11) |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College