Read: 1 Sm 4: 1-11 Mk 1: 40-45

“Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said: ‘I do will it. Be cured.’” (Mk 1:41)

A good prayer must be humble. In that genuine prayer our own desires are made subject to the divine will.

Yet we want the Lord to grant our desires as we perceive. And in the depth of our heart, it hurts when the Lord does not cede to our whims.

We ought, like the leper, say with total sincerity of heart: “If you will to do so, you can…” (40) Saying this, we predispose ourselves to accept and preserve in our hearts serenity and peace – we recognize that the Lord knows what He is about, and He knows what is best for us.

Jesus Himself, in the garden praying to His Father said: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Still, let it be as you would have it, not as I.” (Mt 26:39)

Humility in prayer does not go against trust and confidence in God’s good and holy will. Humility strengthens our confidence in the goodness of the Lord, recognizing that we have no “right” or merit to demand anything from Him. And in true humility our most fervent prayer must be that the Lord shower us with His tremendous forgiveness, grace, and love – before presenting any petition or favor. “For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy…” (Wis 6:6)

In our sinfulness – that which comes from turning God’s gifts away from what He intended – we capriciously demand and insist, like spoiled children before their astonished parents.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 138:8 “The Lord’s mercy endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands!”