Unlocking the Power of Prayer: Insights from the Second Sunday of Lent
In a world often consumed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, the Second Sunday of Lent served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of prayer. Rev. Fr. Joy Senanu Ofori-Kemani, Associate Priest of the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, Accra, delivered a thought-provoking homily that challenged the faithful to embrace the three traditional pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting and abstinence, and alms-giving – with renewed fervor.
Drawing from the day’s readings, which centered on the themes of prayer and God’s divine plan, Fr. Ofori-Kemani’s message resonated deeply with the congregation, offering a blueprint for a more meaningful spiritual journey during this Lenten season.
Shining through Prayer
One of the key insights shared by the priest was the notion that when “we pray to God, we begin to ‘shine’ in the world, even in the midst of darkness.” He cited the example of Jesus, who, while praying on the mountain, experienced a remarkable transformation, with his “face changing its appearance, and his clothes becoming dazzling white” (Luke 9:29).
“Whenever we pray to God, we too, eventually shine in a world of darkness,” Fr. Ofori-Kemani explained. “We shine in our family, we shine at our workplace, we shine among our friends, we shine in the Church, we shine in our moral life, and we shine in all aspects of our life when we pray.”
He emphasized that this “shining” is not merely a superficial phenomenon, but rather a reflection of the profound inner transformation that takes place when we commune with the divine. By drawing closer to God through prayer, we become vessels of His holiness, radiating His light in our daily lives.
Unveiling God’s Plan
Another crucial aspect of prayer highlighted in the homily was its ability to reveal God’s will and plans for our lives. Citing the experiences of both Jesus and the biblical figure of Abram (Abraham), Fr. Ofori-Kemani underscored the notion that it is through prayer that we can discern the divine purpose that guides our journey.
“Jesus, we are told, had Moses and Elijah join him while in prayer. When they appeared, they ‘talked with Jesus about the way in which he would soon fulfil God’s purpose by dying in Jerusalem,'” the priest recounted.
Similarly, Abram, seeking to understand God’s plans for him, engaged in a prayerful dialogue with the Lord, who promised him a multitude of descendants and the land of Canaan as an inheritance.
“Primarily, we come to know God’s purpose for us in life through prayer,” Fr. Ofori-Kemani emphasized, urging the congregation to be diligent in their prayer life, as it is the key to unlocking the mysteries of God’s divine plan.
Receiving Encouragement through Prayer
The final point highlighted in the homily was the profound encouragement that can be found in prayer, particularly during times of trial and adversity. The priest pointed to the presence of Moses and Elijah, who appeared alongside Jesus on the mountain, as a testament to the power of prayer to provide spiritual sustenance and support.
“Jesus was not alone in this display of glory. Two men also appeared with him, whom the disciples seemed to immediately recognize as Moses and Elijah. Of all the things they might have discussed, they chose this topic of the passion of Christ. Moses and Elijah were interested in the outworking of God’s plan through Jesus. They came to encourage him,” Fr. Ofori-Kemani explained.
Drawing a parallel to the letter of encouragement that St. Paul sent to the Philippians, the priest reminded the congregation that when the “going gets tougher, [they] should run to God in prayer.” It is in these sacred moments of communion with the divine that we can find the exact encouragement we need to face the battles of life.
A Call to Deepen Our Prayer Life
As the homily drew to a close, Fr. Ofori-Kemani issued a powerful challenge to the faithful: “Do not be lazy in your prayer life.” He emphasized the transformative potential of prayer, urging the congregation to embrace it as a daily practice, not just during the Lenten season.
“When we shine, we become different. We shine as Christians if and only if we get into prayer with God, who is the fount of all holiness,” the priest concluded, leaving the congregation with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the power of prayer.
In a world often consumed by the demands of modern life, this homily served as a timely reminder that the key to unlocking divine blessings, finding purpose, and receiving encouragement lies in the simple yet profound act of prayer. As the faithful continue their Lenten journey, may they be inspired to deepen their connection with the divine, allowing their lives to be transformed by the shining light of God’s presence.
Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah
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