250727 What I learned in my studies this morning 5

Today's Meditation(s):

The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh (ed. by Melvin McLeod), Seeds of Violence

As I sat on the dock, watching the sunrise this morning, a friend was sitting beside me, reading his daily devotionals. He asked if I would like to listen to the sermon he had in the queue and I agreed.

In the sermon, Father Mike Schmitz talked about The Battle of Prayer. His main points:

"Prayer is a gift of grace and a determined response on our part. It always presupposes effort."

"Prayer is a battle . . . against myself."

"And the battle against the Tempter."

"Why do we complain about not being heard?" We say prayers of petition with fervor and prayers of thanks, if we say them at all, with little or no intent behind it. It's a throw-away line that is easily overlooked.

"But I demand to see the results of my petition." Is God an instrument or a source of inspiration and good?

Sometimes the answer to a prayer is no. Why?

1. "Gives us time to purify our desires." 

Do we really need it? 

Lets me work with my desires and know them more deeply. They may change upon extended reflection.

2. To humble me. Anxiety comes from pride. It takes humility to wait.

3. We get spiritual strength when we wait. Peserverence.

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How to pray? It's a battle. Effort.

1. Listen to God.

2. Reflect on what he said.

3. Notice your heart. What's my motive? Is it pure?

4. Talk to him.

The parallels to Stoicism and Buddhism are present and many. Differences exist, of course, but much is the same.

My friend also talked about how people don't want to hear other views. They won't listen to a sermon or discussion from another tradition, for example.

I expect he was happy to have shared his devotional with me, especially as I am known as a nonreligious person to this social group.

And I appreciated the opportunity to hear what the good Father said and see what I could glean from it. It was, indeed, well worth my time and presence.

I do wonder, however, if he would appreciate if I shared Thich Nhat Hanh's words with him in return.

History would suggest maybe not, but I have reason to believe he would surprise me. That there are depths there I do not know.