Prayer, that sacred opportunity to interact with God as we recognize His presence around us, remains a powerful tool many do not fully understand. The truth is that God hears every prayer we offer. Yet, He responds in ways that align with His wisdom and translate to what is ultimately best for us.
When Jephthah lifted his voice in prayer, as we heard in today’s first reading (Judges 11:29-39), I doubt he honestly expected God to answer in the remarkable way He did. The Ammonites of Jephthah’s time were militarily formidable, and defeating them in battle seemed impossible. It would be like a small country, somewhere, daring to wage war against the United States of America; victory would seem unthinkable. And yet, against all odds, God granted Israel victory in that battle led by Jephthah. Even more striking, Jephthah remained faithful and fulfilled his vow to God, something not many people today are willing or able to do.
My final word for us this evening, my dear brethren, is this: we must be mindful of what we ask for in prayer. The spiritual realm is so vast, and God often works in surprising ways. But one thing is certain, which we shall take back home today: God is alive, seated on His throne, and again present in our midst to astonish us with His love and blessings.