Anything You Ask

"If you ask anything in my name, I will do it." I am always excited by this statement of Jesus and I invariably begin to ask. I do not always get what I have asked in the form that I expect it. Then I wonder if I have not asked properly, if I do not recognize the answer, or if the promise is not true.


Today I read a reflection on the passage which pointed out that the Greek text has "you" in the plural. It is what we ask as a community of believers that will be granted. Which brings me to the topic of discernment. Often when I ask for clarity about my call, I do it in my own private and personal prayer. Sometimes I even get into a vicious circle in my mind and in my prayer--going round and round and making no progress on the path of my discernment. Perhaps, what is needed at such moments is community prayer. Praying together with others and sharing faith with them is an essential part of discernment. In speaking my questions, I may hear something new that I did not recognize when I was praying alone. In listening to others praying and sharing, I may hear God speak a new word to me. I may, as the disciples asked earlier of Jesus "see the Father."


A discernment suggestion--join a group to pray and share faith together. Then listen.