We often hear this question, “do you believe in the power of Prayer?” We hear it in retreats, Sunday sermons, yes believe it or not even on the streets. The answer? It’s just a matter of yes or no, but I wish it would be that simple. Some people would say “yes”, particularly if their prayers are answered. Some would say, “it depends” when more or less they got what they prayed for, while others say “no”, if their prayers are not answered. And now I ask you… Do you believe in the power of Prayer? But before you answer the question, try reading on… and hopefully you might have a different answer from the ones mentioned above.

Well, if you ask me if I believe in the Power of Prayer, Of course! I do believe in the Power of Prayer (you see a different answer). However, I wasn’t a strong believer before. I was also one of the nominal Catholics (Ehem!) who, out of obligation, prays. I pray because everybody around me is doing it… Oh, and I am inside the church… I also look at prayer as a never ending cycle of tests. One, It is the ultimate test of Patience. Telling myself over and over “malapit na matapos yan, tiis lang…”; “kaunti nalang… yan Glory be na…” and saying “Amen” as a sign of Relief (where Amen! Is equivalent to Yes! Tapos na!). Second, it is the test for perseverance. Why? As for my case I persevere not to fall asleep, especially when we pray the Rosary (Ooops! Sorry, Mama Mary). Third, it is the test of Humility, meaning to avoid leading the prayer by saying the words “I am not worthy”. Anyone who is guilty, or can relate to these tests please continue reading.

I have come to realize, maybe we are looking at prayer differently, from what it should be. Prayer is a gift. It is a gift that God has given to us. Picture it like this, prayer is like a Cellphone given to you as a present by your father. The Cellphone in its original purpose opens up the line of communication to anybody in your phonebook. Prayer also opens the communication line to God, anywhere, 24/7. Speed dial is also available; just call on the Lord’s name and you get instant connection. And unlike the Cellphone where load is not free or consumable, prayer is absolutely free! No pre-paid cards nor monthly bills. Imagine if we are charged for every prayer that we utter. In terms of unlimited text or call, no need to register, prayers are unlimited eternally. It is a gift that can never be snatched out from our hands. And the best part! No busy Signals, or call on hold, always a “message sent”. That is what prayers can do to our lives. That is what prayers should be.

I would like to share to you my own personal story about praying. In the office everyday, before I start to work… I pray in front of my computer. I do this to set things up, and so that my day would go smoothly… it calms my spirit, and calling upon the Lord, makes work easier. Though, I usually do this when my officemates are not yet around. I am afraid of what they might say if they see me praying, or they might laugh at me, etc. And also the greater challenge is during lunch time, where we all sit together to eat lunch (now the dilemma comes in). How will I now thank the Lord for my meal? Yes, again I am afraid. (Refer to reason above). Then the guilty feeling kicks in, knowing that I talk about prayer in the brevs or at home praying before meals or when I am in a religious crowd, no worries about praying. (The “I am not worthy syndrome”) But now here comes a crowd that I don’t know how they would react to a simple prayer – The prayer before meals. For months I have been in this dilemma… “To Pray or not to pray, that is the Question…” One day, I was willing to try praying before eating my lunch. I asked the Lord for strength, for what I am about to do… hesitantly I slowly closed my eyes, inhaled a huge amount of air, and then started bravely to do the sign of the cross… I managed to pull it off. I prayed before my meal! Yeeesss! I finally did it. I opened my eyes and I was surprised with what I saw… my officemates staring at me… and immediately they began also to pray before eating their meals. I was shocked for a moment, and then I realized… waaah! I had to undergo months of dilemma, just because I was afraid to pray. The Lord made me see if only I trusted Him more I would have been spared from all that guilt. Now, I have learned my lesson, never doubt the power of prayer. More importantly never doubt the Power of God. I remember another story when I went to confession, a few weeks back. I was telling the Priest that I keep on praying for a certain intention, but I think God is ignoring my prayer… then he asked, “but are you still praying?” and I said, “yes Father”, “then that’s more important! Praying.” Another realization hit me at that moment; that I was dictating to God, what prayers he will answer… I forgot that He alone is the best Judge to see what is best for us. Lord again, please Forgive me!

Finally, I go back to the unending cycle of tests I see in praying, which now I learned holds true. One, the Ultimate test of Patience. We are trained to be patient when we pray, fervently waiting for the right time when God Answers our prayers. Like Father said, “then that’s more important! Praying.” Second, the test of perseverance. God is testing us on how far we could go in our prayer life. Remember, the best part! No busy Signals, or call on hold, always a “message sent”. We should be ready when the Lord Answers the Sent Messages. Third, the test of Humility. Praying even if others can or cannot see us; accepting the Power of God in our Lives; asking God for Strength and guidance in situations we put ourselves into. You may even be shocked on how others will react when they see you pray.

And now I ask you… Do you believe in the power of Prayer?