Episode 2449: The Power of Persistent Prayer - Morning Episode

We will explore the incredible impact of his mother, St. Monica's, ceaseless prayers, his inner struggle with sin, and the profound words of Psalm 102 that cry out to God in times of distress. From a traditional Catholic perspective, we will reflect on how these lessons can shape our spiritual journey and encourage us to persevere in faith, even in the darkest moments of our lives.

St. Monica's Tears and Prayers
One of the most compelling testimonies to the power of a mother’s prayer can be found in the Confessions of St. Augustine. He recalls how his mother, St. Monica, wept and prayed fervently for his conversion, recognizing the spiritual death in which her son was ensnared. Augustine writes:
"And Thou sent Thine hand from above, and drew my soul out of that profound darkness, my mother, Thy faithful one, weeping to Thee for me, more than mothers weep the bodily deaths of their children. For she, by that faith and spirit which she had from Thee, discerned the death wherein I lay, and Thou heard her, O Lord; Thou heard her, and despised not her tears, when streaming down, they watered the ground under her eyes in every place where she prayed; yea Thou heard her."
St. Monica understood that her son’s soul was in peril, and she never ceased to pray for him, even when it seemed as though nothing would change. Her tears were a form of prayer, an offering of deep sorrow to God, pleading for Augustine’s conversion. St. Augustine’s eventual embrace of the faith is a testament to the power of persevering prayer, even in the face of apparent hopelessness.
Pope John Paul II emphasized the importance of such prayer, especially in family life, when he wrote:
"The family that prays together stays together. If Christian families want to persevere and remain faithful to their calling, they must turn to the power of prayer." (Rosarium Virginis Mariae)
St. Monica’s example is a profound reminder to all of us that prayer is a lifeline to God, and that no prayer, especially those offered in deep faith and love, is ever wasted.
The Inner Struggle for Conversion
St. Augustine’s journey to conversion was not immediate or easy. He was trapped in a life of sin and disordered desires, even though he knew that true happiness could only be found in God. In his Confessions, he describes his internal battle between choosing God’s will and surrendering to his sinful inclinations:

"I was sure that it was better for me to give myself up to your love than to give in to my own desires. However, although the one way appealed to me and was gaining mastery, the other still afforded me pleasure and kept me victim. I had no answer to give to you when you said to me, ‘Rise, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will enlighten you.’ When on all sides you showed me that your words were true, and I was overcome by your truth, I had no answer whatsoever to make, but only those slow and drowsy words, ‘Right away. Yes, right away.’ ‘Let me be for a little while.’ But ‘Right away—right away’ was never right now, and ‘Let me be for a little while’ stretched out for a long time."
This passage captures the reality of spiritual lethargy and procrastination. Augustine recognized the truth of God’s call, but he struggled to fully let go of his attachments to sin. His words reflect the experience of many who know the good they should do, yet delay their conversion, trapped by the allure of sin.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that conversion is a lifelong process that involves both turning away from sin and turning toward God. This journey requires grace, but it also requires our cooperation. St. Augustine’s story encourages us to respond to God’s call without delay, trusting in His mercy and grace to lead us out of darkness and into the light.
Crying Out to God in Our Distress
In times of great spiritual struggle, we may feel overwhelmed by our sins and weaknesses. It is in these moments that the words of the Psalms can provide comfort and hope. Psalm 102, in particular, is a cry to God in the midst of distress:
"Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to thee! Do not hide thy face from me in the day of my distress! Incline thy ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!" (Psalm 102:1-2)
This Psalm expresses the raw emotion of a soul in need of God’s help. Like St. Augustine, who struggled with the weight of his sins, we can turn to God in prayer, confident that He will hear us. The words of this Psalm remind us that God is never far from those who seek Him with a contrite heart.
St. Alphonsus Liguori, a great doctor of the Church, wrote extensively on the importance of prayer. He taught:
"Those who pray are certainly saved; those who do not pray are certainly damned." (The Great Means of Salvation and of Perfection)
St. Alphonsus reminds us that prayer is not just a pious practice; it is essential for our salvation. In our moments of distress, when we feel far from God, we must cry out to Him in prayer, trusting that He will answer us and draw us back to Himself.
Conclusion:
The story of St. Augustine’s conversion, fueled by the prayers of his mother, St. Monica, teaches us the importance of persistent prayer and trust in God’s timing. Whether we are praying for the conversion of a loved one or struggling with our own sins, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God hears our prayers and will respond in His infinite mercy.
Like St. Augustine, we may experience moments of hesitation and delay in our spiritual journey, but God’s grace is always available to us. As Psalm 102 reminds us, we can cry out to God in our distress, and He will incline His ear to hear us.
Let us take courage from the example of St. Monica, who never ceased to pray for her son’s conversion, and from St. Augustine, who eventually responded to God’s call and became one of the greatest saints of the Church. May their intercession strengthen us in our own journey of faith.
Closing Prayer:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful example of St. Monica and St. Augustine, who remind us of the importance of perseverance in prayer and the transformative power of Your grace. Help us to trust in Your mercy and to turn to You in our moments of weakness and distress. Grant us the grace to respond to Your call without delay and to seek You with all our hearts. Through the intercession of St. Monica and St. Augustine, may we grow in holiness and one day rejoice with You in eternal life. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.