Prayer: The greatest need of our time

In an ever-increasing tumultuous world, there is a special need for prayer.  In fact, some say that prayer is the foundation necessary to devise the solutions to combat the troubles of our society today. 

A new book, “Prayer: The Greatest Need of Our Time,” written by local author Michael Meaney offers fresh insight into prayer for everyone from the seminarian on the cusp of ordination to the priesthood or the novice in a religious community; to one struggling with his or her faith; to thefaithful who simply wants to deepen their prayer in order to speak to God and respond to Him with greater love.

Meaney, who has a doctorate in philosophy, explains how Jesus teaches us how to pray the Our Father as a way of life, not merely words.  Jesus invites the faithful to call on God the Father for all their needs and petitions in a more loving and intimate way with confidence, trust and humility, as a child might call out “Daddy” to his own father. 

Just as God the Father lovingly invites everyone to himself in deeper prayer, so too we must approach all things, including prayer for others, with a spirit of love. “This is the best start in prayer, for God’s love for us is the most important of all truths and goods, the ultimate source of our being and well-being, of everything that we are and have, of our prayers as well as the greatest incentives to pray,” Meaney says in the book. 

The Our Father challenges us to strive for perfection on the earthly journey to heaven—just as God is perfect.  We ask of God the goods we need while on earth, such as gifts and charisms needed to do the work of His Kingdom and to accomplish His will and we ask of the nourishment for our spiritual journey.  We also ask God to help us avoid evil and our strongest temptations to sin.  Most importantly, we ask God to help us grow in love, forgiving others as God forgives.

It is important to incorporate the actions that Jesus calls us to in praying the Our Father with the prayer of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  In silence, reverent attitude, and actions like kneeling, genuflecting and speaking to Him, we refocuses our attention to Jesus Himself, the source of our being, and away from the passing busyness of the world. 

Adoration strengthens the faith in those whose faith may be faltering.  Jesus gives a person in adoration the strength and encouragement needed to go back and face the world.  We are reminded that the things around us are nothing in comparison to the real presence of Jesus. 

Thus, in humility people realize the limitations of humanity and how much we need God. 

We also realize that God is the greatest good, and in response, adoration gives God the worship that He deserves.  Taking the time out for adoration helps people to become more disciplined and focused on prayer time and the sacrifices involved.  Adorers realize that as much as God does for them, it is small in comparison to give time to adore Jesus. 

The book expounds on common obstacles to prayer.  First and foremost is mortal sin and the preference of our will over God’s in terms of committing serious sin.  Another strong obstacle to prayer is the influence of secular humanism and self-centeredness in the world, whose philosophy leads people to believe that man does not need God’s help or reliance. 

Next, giving into the pleasures of the flesh. Refusing to accept the struggle needed to overcome the temptations and pleasures of the flesh is a common obstacle all must be on guard to avoid when pursuing a deeper relationship with God in prayer.
 
Praying for Mary’s intercession is the “divine solution to the errors and needs of our time” because she most perfectly accepted and followed God’s will and Jesus gave her to the world as its mother.  Jesus calls all to follow her example. 

Finally, the book examines how the saints explain and demonstrate prayer by their example.

“God is our Supreme Good and Final End whose love for us brings us into existence from nothingness and destines us for eternal communion in heaven with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Hence, our greatest good is heavenly union with God and our worst evil is rejection of God, or hell, Meany said. 

“Since God is the simultaneously-whole and perfect possession of everlasting life, and shares His nature and life with us, we not only enjoy natural life, but can also supernaturally share in divine nature, life and love through grace, providing we respond by loving God and neighbor as he has loved us.  That makes divine love for us the ultimate source, way and end of Christian life both on earth and in heaven,” he said. 

This book tells that story through the works and lives of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Jesus and St. Therese of the Child Jesus.

“Prayer:  The Greatest Need of Our Time” was produced by Goodbooks Media of Corpus Christi.  Other books by Meaney include “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Throughout Life” and “Good News of Great Joy.” A book signing of his newest book will be held at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Bookstore on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 1–4 p.m.  For more information, call (361) 289-9095.