JPIC IN PRAYER

Prayer is an important part of every secular Franciscan fraternity gathering. We gather in God’s presence to praise, thank, offer petition, listen, and ask for forgiveness and guidance. Fr. Lester Bach, who was a longtime and much revered national spiritual assistant to seculars, challenged us to be sure our devotions stimulate conversion and growth in Franciscan spirituality.[1]
Pope Francis tells us “Prayer and action must always be profoundly united.” While the two are inseparable, prayer acts as the foundation for all charitable work. Pope Francis explained, “From the contemplative prayer, from a strong friendship with the Lord, is born in us the capacity to live and carry forth the love of God, His mercy, and His tenderness toward others.“[2]
Our Franciscan rule requires daily conversion. Does our prayer lead us to make changes in the way we relate to our God, to others, to creation? Let us strive to be open to prayer as a point of conversion in both our personal and fraternal lives.
 

[1] Tau, Spring 2015, p. 5,6
[2] Sunday Angelus message, Jul 21, 2013