Things to talk about:

• How often do you pray? Share a memorable prayer experience you have had.
• Do you think God gets tired of listening to our prayers? This Gospel helps us to arrive at the correct answer.
• God knows all our needs. Why do you think He still wants us to pray?
• What does the message of persistence have to do with what is happening in your life right now?

Things to do:

• We ask God for many things during Mass, especially during the Prayers of the Faithful, to which we answer, “Lord, hear our prayer.” What was included in the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass?
• Attending Sunday Mass is the best opportunity for the entire community to pray and worship together. Check our website for other opportunities to pray and experience other prayer forms: The Rosary with Devotions Ministry, Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, Charismatic Prayer.
• The fourth Saturday of October is Make a Difference Day. Do something to make a difference.
• Please remember to pray for our Priests as we Celebrate Priesthood Sunday next weekend, October 25-26, Read more…

Closing Prayer

The Gospel message is about praying persistently and all ways. Before you begin prayer, write down everyone’s prayer intentions. Include intentions for yourself and others.

Lord Jesus, in the Gospel, you encourage us to bring our needs to you. Listen to the prayers we bring before you this day.

[Read the list of prayer intentions that you compiled.]

Thank you ahead of time for hearing us and answering these according to your will. Amen.

Catholic Insights

The covenant God entered into at the creation of the world was a binding covenant between God and human beings. God promised to take care of us. In response, human beings promised to love God with heart and soul and take care of God’s creation, especially those who can not care for themselves. Offering hospitality to one of God’s poor ones is to offer God’s own divine hospitality.

The woman in this Gospel story is a model for our attitude when we pray. To truly pray is difficult. To pray is to open our minds and hearts to God’s will, and of having a relationship with God. When we ask God to answer our prayers we should be reminded that God will answer in his own time. We are encouraged to be tireless in our efforts.

This week in Alpha we explore “Does Jesus heal today?” Are we persistent in asking Jesus to hear our prayers? Do we look for Jesus’ answers to our prayers? Healing can be physical, spiritual, mental, emotional. Do we trust in God’s providence and love for us and his answer will always be the best outcome?

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection