Here’s an interesting quotation from Saint Thomas More: 

The things, good Lord, that we pray for,  
give us the grace to labour for… 

It does give you something to think about. If I regularly have world peace on my prayer list, what do I do that constructively adds to that goal? Can I be kinder to those around me? Even those whom I dislike and disagree with? Can I be more helpful to those physically in need around me? Can I welcome the stranger running from the violence in their nation? 

If I regularly pray for those who are hungry in the world, can I provide food and a meal for the local shelter with a smile on my face and joy in my heart? Can I assist in bringing food from church to the area food shelf? Can I volunteer to staff the food shelf? 

How about those in need of clothing? How many unused clothing outfits do I have in my closet that I could bring to a shelter or non-profit thrift store for the benefit of those in need of good clothes? And shoes! Those can go, too. 

I think that you get my point. There are so many things that we ask God to provide that we can also assist with providing. I don’t mean to imply that we are working our way into heaven, but we are asking God for the grace to aid in solving some of the world’s very large problems. All with the goal of sharing an eternity of happiness with God, who loves us all unconditionally. 

There was an old joke going around a couple of years ago about a man who wanted to win the lottery. He prayed and prayed and prayed to win but never did. Finally, he got angry at God for not answering his prayer, asking “What do I need to do to win the lottery?” God replied, “Child, buy a ticket.”  Sometimes we need to buy a ticket. Whatever the ticket may be. 

Love to all, 

Terri