Reflection on Prayer

Yesterday was the workshop of prayer. Maggy and Maya were our leaders of the day. The session was very prayerful and I appreciated praying out loud with all members of Emmaus, giving thanks and praying for others. I love the part when we pray for others, being an intercessor for the needs and prayer of others. I feel very blessed and privileged to be able to pray for others. It brings out the kindness in us and shows our love for the friendships and other relationships that we have with others. It also brings out the concern and genuine love for each other. Father Ambrose Vaz once mentioned that the greatest gift we could give to others, is not buying pretty presents, but to be able to pray for others.

On the reflection of the centurion, we could also see his concern for others, especially the lowly people, his servant. He takes very good care for his servant, not only physically, emotionally but spiritually. I sometimes wonder when will I have such great love for the part-time cleaner who comes in to clean my house occasionally. I am inspired by the centurion's great love for others.

Also, the centurion's great faith in Jesus is being witnessed when he only asks God to command, then his servant will be healed at once. Even the disciples and worshippers around Jesus who had been following him all this while did not have such faith. A similar parallel when we pray at mass, during communion, the priest will hold up the bread of Christ and say, "I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed." We are also challenged to have the same faith as the centurion to trust in God and he will do his miracle and heal us.

After the prayer workshop, I felt very peaceful, light and lesser emotional burden. Then, I head home and bathe. That night, when I pray the rosary, I said it very slow, but loud, taking in the true meaning of the Hail Mary prayer, Our Father, Glory Be and all the 5 mysteries of our faith. Usually, when I'm tired after a day's work, I pray the rosary very quick and hasten. But yesterday, despite praying at 12 midnight, I was able to pray it meaningfully and deeper. It lead me to greater spiritual heights.

I hope I'll be able to maintain my fervour in prayer and strengthen and deepen my relationship with Christ Jesus. Amen.