Today we ask for an increase of prayer. From the beginning of His
ministry to His Crucifixion, Jesus prayed frequently. He often went off by
Himself to spend time in prayer. He prayed in public many times as well.
Following His example we should find time to pray throughout our day—when we
rise in the morning, before travel or work, before meals, when anything
troubles us, and before going to bed at night. We should especially pray when
temptations arise, for those are the times we most need to turn our faces to
God.
St. Monica was a Christian married to a pagan who was probably
unfaithful to her. “The
circumstances of St. Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter
daughter-in-law, and a despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of
these temptations. . . . Monica also had to bear with a cantankerous
mother-in-law who lived in her home. Patricius criticized his wife because of
her charity and piety, but always respected her. Monica’s prayers and example
finally won her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity.” https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-monica/. She also
prayed for her son, Augustine, who finally converted and became a great saint.
Dear Lord, I pray for myself and (names). Through the
intercession of St. Monica, please give us hearts devoted to prayer. May our prayers
bear fruit in the repentance and conversion of all we pray for. May we be
reunited in joy with all from whom we are estranged, if not in this life, then
in Heaven. Amen.
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