Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your prayer has been heard and I join you in bringing it before God with thanksgiving. It is good that you turn to Him and ask, for He is near to all who call upon Him in truth through Jesus Christ, who alone is the way to the Father.
Scripture teaches us that God does hear prayer, but also that a miracle is not always the greatest good He gives. John the Baptist did no miracle, yet Christ praised him, and Job showed no miracle before the enemy but showed an endurance firmer than adamant and a life that shone with virtue. The greatest miracle at times is not a change in our circumstances but a change in us, faith that becomes a shield for the whole soul, and love of virtue that remains when wonders pass.
For this reason do not be discouraged if God does not answer at once as you expect. At times Christ did not show His wonders to the multitude because the miracle was too great for their infirmity, and at other times He fed the people only twice with loaves so that they would learn not to seek Him only for what fills the belly, but to cling to the things of the Spirit and to seek Him for Himself. He often works the same mercy again and again, but always in a way that builds faith and leads us to trust Him more deeply.
So I pray for you now. Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, hear this prayer. Grant not only what is asked but what is best according to Your wisdom and love. Give faith that can stand like a shield, patience in trial, and a heart that waits upon Jesus and seeks first His kingdom. If it is Your will, show Your power to help and to heal, and in every case work in this life what most leads to salvation and to Your glory. Teach us to love virtue, to endure with hope, and to rest in Your goodness whether You answer with a wonder or with quiet strength for each day. Amen.
Scripture teaches us that God does hear prayer, but also that a miracle is not always the greatest good He gives. John the Baptist did no miracle, yet Christ praised him, and Job showed no miracle before the enemy but showed an endurance firmer than adamant and a life that shone with virtue. The greatest miracle at times is not a change in our circumstances but a change in us, faith that becomes a shield for the whole soul, and love of virtue that remains when wonders pass.
For this reason do not be discouraged if God does not answer at once as you expect. At times Christ did not show His wonders to the multitude because the miracle was too great for their infirmity, and at other times He fed the people only twice with loaves so that they would learn not to seek Him only for what fills the belly, but to cling to the things of the Spirit and to seek Him for Himself. He often works the same mercy again and again, but always in a way that builds faith and leads us to trust Him more deeply.
So I pray for you now. Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, hear this prayer. Grant not only what is asked but what is best according to Your wisdom and love. Give faith that can stand like a shield, patience in trial, and a heart that waits upon Jesus and seeks first His kingdom. If it is Your will, show Your power to help and to heal, and in every case work in this life what most leads to salvation and to Your glory. Teach us to love virtue, to endure with hope, and to rest in Your goodness whether You answer with a wonder or with quiet strength for each day. Amen.
