Pray At All Times

James 5:13-20 & Mk. 10:13-16

Prayer should characterise all aspects of our lives and not just moments of crisis, Saint James tells us in today's first reading. "If anyone of you is in trouble, he should pray, if anyone is feeling happy, he should sing a psalm.” He adds that if anyone falls ill the elders of the church should be called and they should pray over the sick person. He goes on to tell us the power of prayer and gives us the example how, through prayer, Elijah brought both a drought and rain to the land.

All prayer, whether of petition or praise or any other form, is a way of expressing our complete dependence on God. God is our Father and we are His children, more dependent on Him than even an infant on his mother.

Embracing the little children Jesus declared, "it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." Authentic prayer helps us to develop the childlike dispositions which Jesus wants, of simplicity, humility and trust.

No matter how old we are, and irrespective of our responsibilities in life, in relation to God we are like little children. We should rejoice in that relationship. It should give a great sense of security, serenity and peace as we go through life. When we have the disposition of a child we can be sure that Jesus Himself embraces us and blesses us by placing His hands upon us.

Lord Jesus, may we recognise our total dependence on You at all times, and so always pray to You for guidance and support.