(Read Acts 18:23-28, Psalm 47 and John 16:23-28)
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” (John 16:24)
It is one thing to pray but a different thing to have confidence in God. Think of this, almost everybody you know prays. If there is a church close to your house, they are probably at prayer right now. People have no problem praying but the real question is: “How many of us believe in the power of prayers?”
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells us: “If you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name … ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.” The problem is, after asking, we refuse to drop our burdens completely with Jesus. We rise to our feet with heavy hearts as though we wasted our time praying. If prayer does not leave you joyful and happy, it means you haven’t prayed. Start all over again!
If you do not believe that your prayers are capable of changing anything, then you are yet to understand the meaning of prayer. The deeper your confidence in the power and effectiveness of even a single line of prayer, the more you see the result in your life. Make sure you reflect on every word you utter during prayer, know that whatever you say is heard by God; know that prayer really works, prayer changes things.
Our first reading today talks about a Jew named Apollos. He was an eloquent man well versed in the scriptures even though he was not properly catechised. Thanks to Priscilla and Aquila who took it upon themselves to teach him more. He was able to refute other Jews in public using the Scriptures.
Apollos displayed a willingness to learn from Priscilla and Aquila and it paid off. Sometimes, when we are gifted, we could easily fall into the trap of pride, refusing to learn and refusing to grow. There is nothing as bad as being ignorant and yet arrogant.
I pray that may we grow in faith in Christ Jesus and may we find confidence to pray effectively. Amen.