Confidence in Prayer

“Let us not grow tired of prayer: confidence works miracles.” Ste. Therese of Lisieux

I have a family member who has some struggles. This person had lost a lot of confidence in everything. We needed to find a way through. Sometimes when we face obstacles, we lose confidence. This loss of confidence does not come from God. Our faith brings us confidence. We looked hard for a place and a method that would rebuild the confidence of this person and we found it. There is much help in society, but we cannot simply stand idle and wait for things to happen. The Lord wants us to search while at the same time trusting in Him. We found a centre that would rebuild confidence. This was not a sentimental journey but a method that only Christ can show us. It is so important to face challenges with great trust in God.

“A humble soul does not trust itself, but places all its confidence in God.” St. Faustina

There are countless examples of saints who were persecuted and attacked. They must have felt weakness in their humanity but also lifted by God. When I was a teenager, I had very little confidence in myself. I tried out for the varsity basketball team but to no avail. I remember my first day teaching, I was so young and inexperienced. I remember the people who stood by me and supported me in my struggles. I look back and wonder how I survived those periods in my life. I know now that I was supported by great people who were sent to me so that I could continue. We do not plan the help that comes, but God sends us the help as he sees best. 

“The greater and more persistent your confidence in God, the more abundantly you will receive all that you ask.” St. Albert the Great

We can easily reduce Christ to some abstract deity who is far away amid ancient stories. It is exactly the opposite. He is present in our lives at every moment. We need to recognize Him, and it is something that is not so easy to do. The saints had extremely difficult challenges, yet they remained steadfast in their faith. They had an intimate relationship with Christ, and they were moved by love of Him and not fear. 

“Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with Him, familiarly and with confidence and love, as to the dearest and most loving of friends.” St. Alphonsus Ligouri

Confidence is an abstract word. We cannot equate confidence with arrogance. For me, what is important is to have real humility – knowing what I can and cannot do. However, I try to surround myself with those around us who can make an impact in my life and be a witness to Christ. There is a convent in the USA that began with a few sisters. They began with prayer and the vocations began to arrive. They increased steadily, not from their hard work, but from prayer and confidence in God. Once, a new priest arrived at a parish I attended. The attendance was low, and few people participated. I could have given sage advice if I had any. What I did have was prayer. It really is the greatest confidence booster. Encouraging words, positive thoughts are fine, but nothing beats prayer. This will be our energy. It is what drives me every day. I want to continue to grow in my relationship with God and I am sure this will bring me confidence. 

“Let us not grow tired of prayer: confidence works miracles.” Ste. Therese of Lisieux