Category Archives: 2 Timothy

The Lord hears us

James Tissot (1836–1902).
The Pharisee and the Publican (Le pharisien et le publicain), 1886–1894.
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper. Brooklyn Museum.
(Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
Sirach 35:21-22a

Holy scripture assures us God hears the cries of the oppressed, the poor, the downtrodden, the marginalized, and all who are treated with disdain, injustice, and inhumanity. God invites us to open our hearts and pray from our pain and our need—without subterfuge, self-delusion, or self-aggrandizing. Our faith teaches us that God hears and answers all who willingly pray in humility and truth.

Today I will humbly admit to God my weaknesses and failures, sorrows and fears, desires and needs. I will ask God to strengthen me and guide me along the path of forgiveness, reconciliation, love, and compassion. I trust I will be heard. I trust God will respond with mercy.

Pray always

John Everett Millais (1829-1896)
The Unjust Judge and the Importunate Widow
Wood engraving; proof on India paper, 1864
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pray always without becoming weary.
Luke 18:1b

Injustice, violence, and fear in our communities, society, and world. Rising food, housing, and utility costs. Personal illness, family dysfunction, and problems in the workplace. Each day we face great challenges. Sometimes we grow tired from holding them all, balancing them all.

When we let go of our mistaken belief that we always need to be strong, we can find relief. Asking trusted friends or family members for support will renew our energy. Reading sacred Scripture will help us hear God speak to us. Praying constantly will remind us our help is from the Lord. We need God to show us how to be and guide us in everything we do.

Today I will read Luke 18:1-8 and then spend a few quiet minutes in prayer. I will unburden myself to the Lord and ask for help, guidance, and deeper faith in God’s love for me.

Help me, Lord

Gebhard Fugel (1863-1939)
Christus und die Aussätzigen, ca.1920
Diözesanmuseum Freising

“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Luke 17:13b

Faith gives me the courage and perseverance to call out to the Lord for help when I am in pain, distressed, ill, lonely, tired, discouraged, angry, or wondering how I can help in the world. Experience shows me the Lord will always respond in love and guide me to the healing and wisdom I need.

Today I will exercise my faith muscle by seeking help from the Lord when I feel burdened. I will exercise my gratitude muscle by thanking God for being here for me.

Faith in God’s vision

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
The Mulberry Tree
oil on canvas, October 1889
Norton Simon Museum

Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily.
For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. Habakkuk 2:2-3

Our faith in the Lord’s vision of unity, peace, and love gives us the courage and self-control to continue on the Way of nonviolent resistance to injustice, persecution, and inhumane treatment of the members of our human family.

Today I will soften my heart and listen to the Lord’s voice calling me to embody unity, peace, and love. I will ask the Holy Spirit to empower me to follow the Way of Jesus with faith and courage.