Episode 2634: Answering God’s Call in Prayer and Daily Life - Morning Episode

"Answering God’s Call in Prayer and Daily Life"
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll explore the profound beauty of responding to God’s invitation to pray. We’ll reflect on the encouragement of the saints who remind us that in our free moments, God is always ready to meet us, even when we may have strayed. Today, we’ll look at quotes from St. Julie Billiart, St. Augustine, and a passage from the Gospel of Mark. Together, these words guide us toward a life of deeper connection with God, helping us understand the unique ways He calls to each of us, waiting for us to respond.
Segment 1: God’s Presence in Our Free Moments
St. Julie Billiart reminds us, “When you have free moments, go faithfully to prayer. The good God is waiting for you there.” These words underscore a simple truth about God’s ever-present love for us. In traditional Catholic spirituality, free time is seen as an opportunity to draw closer to God, to lift our minds and hearts toward Him. We live in a busy world where even moments of quiet can be hard to find. Yet, St. Julie’s words remind us that every free moment, however brief, is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the Lord.
In the lives of the saints, we often see this faithfulness to prayer, especially in times of solitude. God’s call to each of us is unique, but it is consistent: He invites us to come to Him, especially when we’re free from distractions. Imagine if we took just a few of those moments every day to place ourselves in His presence, even if it’s as simple as a few words whispered from the heart. In these small offerings of time, God fills us with grace and peace, reminding us that we are never alone.
Segment 2: God’s Unwavering Faithfulness
St. Augustine’s words paint a beautiful picture of God’s unrelenting mercy and presence: "I call upon you, my God, my mercy, who made me, and did not forget me, although I forgot you. I call you into my soul, which you prepare to accept you by the longing that you breathe into it. Do not desert me now when I call upon you, for before I called upon you, you went ahead and helped me, and repeatedly you urged me on by many different words, so that from afar I would hear you, and be converted, and call upon you as you called to me." This confession, honest and heartfelt, resonates deeply with our experience of turning back to God. Even when we may have strayed or grown distant, God’s love remains constant. He calls us back to Him, reaching out to us through many means to bring us closer to His heart.
In traditional Catholic teaching, this is what we refer to as prevenient grace the grace that God extends to us even before we are fully aware of Him. Augustine’s words remind us of how God prepares our hearts, breathing into us the desire to return to Him. No matter how far we may have wandered, His mercy is always waiting, urging us to remember His love and to approach Him once more in prayer.
Segment 3: Called to Act in Faith and Trust
The Gospel of Mark 16:19-20 describes the moment after Christ’s Ascension: “The Lord Jesus…was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.” This scene is a powerful reminder that Jesus is not only present with us in our prayer but also in our actions. His ascension into heaven does not leave us alone; rather, He now works through us, accompanying us and confirming His truth in our lives.
As Catholics, we believe that every prayerful moment strengthens us for the work God calls us to in the world. Just as the apostles were sent out to preach and perform miracles, we too are sent forth, armed with the faith that our Lord is beside us. In our prayer life, we find not only peace and communion with God but also the strength to live as witnesses to His love. When we commit to prayer and open our hearts to God’s call, He equips us to go forth, sharing His love and mercy with others in countless small but impactful ways.
Conclusion: Embracing the Call to Pray and Serve
Each of us is called to a life of faithfulness and service, rooted in prayer and strengthened by God’s grace. In the words of the saints, we find an invitation to enter into a deeper relationship with God, to trust in His mercy, and to respond to His call. Let us remember that in every free moment, God is waiting to meet us, ready to embrace us and fill our souls with His peace.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unending mercy and for the gift of prayer. May we always seek You in our quiet moments, knowing that You are there, ready to fill us with Your love. Help us to remember that even when we forget You, You never forget us. Strengthen our faith, give us courage to answer Your call, and let us be witnesses of Your truth to the world. Through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.