Prayer: A Relationship and Surrender. 07/20/25. Chima Offurum

Whether in a community setting, like in the Church, or in the privacy of your room, prayer is a sacred encounter. The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to prayer as a communication process through which we acknowledge the nearness of God and the sanctity of that nearness in our daily lives. In the Sixteenth Sunday’s first reading from the Book of Genesis (18:1-10), Abraham’s hospitality toward the three visitors describes a beautiful symbol of (God’s nearness) prayerful attentiveness, an openness to the divine in ordinary circumstances. The passage relates that Abraham listens, serves, and waits, recognizing the presence of God in strangers. His generous welcome turns out to be the channel that reveals God’s promise. In that moment, prayer becomes more than words; it is attentiveness, availability, and trust in God’s timing.

In the second reading from the letter to the Colossians (1:24-28), Paul speaks of rejoicing in his sufferings as part of his ministry for the sake of the Church. Paul’s prayer was not an escape from pain but features a deep alignment with God’s purpose through perseverance and proclamation. In his case, the mystery of Christ in us and the hope of glory give meaning to our struggles and prayers. Paul’s life revealed that true prayer leads us (1) to mature in faith, and (2) to bring others into communion with Christ. Through prayer, we recognize that God is near us and already at work within us, calling us to share in His mission. Our job is to acknowledge this nearness.

The gospel (Luke 10:38-42), contrasts Martha’s busy service and Mary’s quiet attentiveness to Jesus, underscoring the heart of prayerful living. Mary chooses the better part, not by perceptively doing nothing, but by listening deeply to the Lord who speaks. Physical activities remain crucial to human survival. However, prayer requires us to pause,  now and again, amid activity and stress, to center ourselves on what truly matters, including communion with God and each other. Clearly, Martha’s frustration reflects our tendency to equate action with value. Yet, Jesus gently reminds us that presence precedes productivity, a crucial aspect of my pastoral engagement. In prayer, we learn to discern when to serve and when to minister in silence.

Ultimately, prayer is not a means to pull God down into our situations. God is God, and has His ways of walking around and within us. Rather, prayer is a way of raising ourselves into His divine presence. It shapes us to see and accept His will above our desires, preparing our hearts to respond with faith, humility, and obedience. As in Abraham, Paul, Martha, and Mary, prayer is a relationship, a transformation, and a surrender. It opens our eyes to God’s activity in unexpected places, such as under the trees, in times of affliction and services, or at God’s feet. Through the interactions of prayer, we are not changing God’s mind, but letting Him change our hearts like unto His.