17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Genesis 18:20–32
Psalm 138:1–2, 2–3, 6–7, 7–8
Colossians 2:12–14
Luke 11:1–13
The prayer of intercession is powerful. It is an expression of intimacy with God. Abraham dares to speak to God on behalf of his nephew Lot and the sinful town where he lives. He “presses his luck,” asking again and again just when mercy may be shown due to the righteousness of those who live among the wicked.
Abraham puts great trust in his relationship with the God Who has made promises to him, and he boldly speaks for others, pleading for mercy.
Our prayer of intercession reveals intimacy with God; it also shows a relationship with those for whom we pray. Abraham is concerned for Lot and his family, and he extends his prayer to those who dwell with them. Having received affirmation that the promises made to him would be fulfilled, Abraham, who is to be the father of nations, stands before God to pray for those outside of the promise.
The universality of prayer can be misunderstood in a culture that fights about where and when prayers are suitable. Animosity is expressed both by those “opposed” to prayer and by those who fight for their “right to pray.”
Prayer that is true finds a way beyond these disputes. When there is an attitude of division, prayer cannot reach its mark. When a heart is really ready to pray, it always finds a way to be bold in its expression without fear. The boldness of Abraham can be imitated by anyone who puts trust in God.
Jesus was asked by His disciples to teach them to pray “just as John taught his disciples.” They were moved to make this request, as Luke tells it, when they saw Jesus praying. They respected His “right to pray” by waiting for Him to finish before they made their request.
Jesus’ response showed no hesitation. “When you pray, say: ‘Father.’” He spoke from within His attitude of prayer, inviting the disciples to pray within the intimacy of His relationship with God.
Many saints have told us that the Lord’s Prayer contains all prayers and is truly the model for praying. The acknowledgement of relationship with God and the petitions included are the matter of all prayer.
God is Father, worthy of all respect, and the coming of His kingdom is the point of the Gospel. Life in the world, with trust in Providence and practice of the mercy that God shows us, are the hallmarks of discipleship. Perseverance in the relationship we have with God in time and in eternity is possible only through grace.
Jesus invites His disciples to a way of praying that “overflows” into the world, establishing forgiveness as a way of being. The one who prays as Jesus teaches becomes one who, like Jesus Himself, reveals the love of the Father for His children.
The attitude of prayer entering into a real relationship with God becomes an opening to the Spirit of God Who transforms the one who prays and flows out through the pray-er into the world.
Prayer has the power to change the world. Discovery of this does not come from fighting for a right but from the act of praying. This is not to say that we do not need to speak up when rights are violated. Rather, it means that every action that seeks the way of righteousness must flow from prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer is present in so many forms of prayer that we can take it for granted. We pray it at Mass, in the Liturgy of the Hours, in the rosary. It is part of other devotions, and it is ready on the lips of those who are asked to “lead prayer.” However, we might miss its power if we pray it by rote all the time. It is worth taking time to pray it slowly and with awareness of the meaning of each element.
Jesus invites us through this prayer to “climb inside” His own prayer. When we say, “Abba,” as Jesus did, it is the Spirit Who prays in us and conforms us to Jesus. We enter into a living relationship with God, and we become a means to bring the kingdom into the world.
Who is awaiting your intercession? Who will learn of God’s love and mercy when you dare to draw close to God and to pray on their behalf? “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.”
Father Timothy M. Hayes is pastor of Chillicothe St. Mary and St. Peter; and Waverly, St. Mary, Queen of the Missions.