Episode 2522: The Power of Simple Prayer - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll be reflecting on the beauty and simplicity of prayer and the profound ways in which God transforms even our sufferings into opportunities for growth and grace. We’ll draw inspiration from the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, J. Augustine Wetta, and the call of St. Matthew as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
St. Thérèse, the Little Flower, has given us one of the most heart-touching definitions of prayer. She says, “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” In her simplicity, Thérèse invites us to see prayer not as a complex, intellectual exercise but as a simple and profound encounter with God a lifting of our hearts, a recognition of His presence, and an act of love that embraces both the joys and the sorrows of life.
We will also reflect on the words of J. Augustine Wetta, who encourages us to find joy even in our adversities, echoing St. Paul’s teaching that in our weakness, we find strength through Christ. Together, these reflections call us to a deeper trust in God’s providence, even when life presents us with trials. Finally, we will meditate on the call of St. Matthew, whose life was changed in an instant by the simple words of Christ: “Follow me.”
Let’s start with the beautiful simplicity of prayer, as expressed by St. Thérèse of Lisieux. When she says that prayer is “a surge of the heart,” she touches on the essence of what true prayer is it’s not about elaborate words or complex thoughts. It’s about lifting our hearts to God in humility and love. Prayer can be as simple as a glance toward heaven or as deep as a cry from the soul in moments of distress. St. Thérèse reminds us that God desires our hearts more than anything else.
This perspective on prayer helps us live out our relationship with God throughout our daily lives. Whether we are filled with joy or weighed down by trial, we can turn to God in prayer. Our prayer doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be sincere. As St. Thérèse teaches, we can embrace both the good and the difficult moments of life in prayer, trusting that God is present with us in all things.
J. Augustine Wetta gives us a similar insight into the power of embracing adversity with a spirit of faith. He reminds us that there is no such thing as a useless or futile experience. “Every sorrow loses its sting,” he says, because everything can become an opportunity to glorify God. This is a profound truth of the Catholic faith our sufferings are not meaningless. In fact, St. Paul himself said in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This is the paradox of the Christian life. The world tells us to avoid suffering, to seek comfort at all costs. But Christ shows us that it is through suffering that we are most conformed to Him. When we embrace our weaknesses and trials with trust in God’s providence, they become opportunities for grace. God does not abandon us in our hardships; rather, He strengthens us, drawing us closer to Him. This is why the saints, like St. Paul, could find contentment in even the most difficult circumstances because they knew that their suffering united them more deeply with Christ.
This brings us to the call of St. Matthew in today’s Gospel reflection. Matthew was a tax collector, a sinner, an outcast in the eyes of his people. Yet, when Jesus passed by him, He didn’t condemn Matthew for his past. He simply said, “Follow me.” And Matthew, without hesitation, rose and followed Christ.
This moment is significant. It reminds us that no matter where we are in life, no matter our past or the burdens we carry, Christ calls us to follow Him. His invitation is simple, just as our response should be. Like Matthew, we are called to leave behind whatever separates us from God and follow Christ with our whole hearts.
The story of Matthew also teaches us that God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect before He calls us. He calls us in the midst of our weaknesses, and He gives us the grace to respond. Matthew didn’t clean up his life before answering Christ’s call he simply followed. And in following, he was transformed. This is what happens when we say “yes” to God in prayer and in life. God takes us as we are, but He doesn’t leave us as we are. He transforms us, heals us, and strengthens us to live out His will.
Conclusion:
As we conclude today’s episode, let’s remember that prayer is not complicated. It’s a simple act of love, a surge of the heart toward God. Whether in moments of joy or trial, we can lift our hearts to God in prayer, trusting that He hears us and walks with us through every circumstance.
Let us also embrace the wisdom of finding strength in our weakness, just as St. Paul did. When we encounter adversity, instead of running from it, we can turn to God in prayer and trust that He will transform our sufferings into opportunities for growth and grace.
And finally, like St. Matthew, let’s respond to Christ’s call without hesitation. He calls us, not because we are perfect, but because He loves us. Our “yes” to Him, no matter how small, opens the door for His transforming grace to work in our lives.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of prayer, for the grace to lift our hearts to You in every moment of our lives. Help us to pray with the simplicity and trust of St. Thérèse, knowing that You are always near, ready to hear our cries of love and need.
In times of trial, strengthen us with the same spirit that sustained St. Paul, that we may find joy and hope even in our weaknesses, knowing that You work all things for our good.
And like St. Matthew, give us the grace to follow You without hesitation, leaving behind all that separates us from You, and trusting in Your mercy and love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.