Thursday of the First Week of Lent - March 14, 2019

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Esther 12:14-16, 23-25  Matthew 7:7-12

As humans, we often get caught up in our daily routines and activities: work, kids, running errands. The list goes on and on. These day-to-day routines and activities can often make us impatient and unaware of God’s presence.  Often, it is not until we need something from God that we seek His guidance.  The gospel according to Matthew reminds us that God does listen to us in our times of need, “Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find.”

This verse in Matthew’s gospel is a reminder that the Lord will answer our prayers.  When we need something from the Lord and ask for his help, we often expect an immediate answer from Him. When He does not respond immediately or the way we want Him to answer, it can leave us feeling alone and abandoned by God.  Although it is human nature that we expect our prayers to be answered immediately by the Lord, we must remember that we need to be patient while waiting for the Lord to answer.  We must be reminded, as in today’s scripture readings, that we are not alone and God does answer our prayers.

Q:  Do I get caught up in my daily routines and only call on the Lord when I need Him the most?  Do I make time to pray and thank the Lord each day?  Am I patient when I ask and seek the Lord for help?

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