Photina

Photina
n., An issue of water from the earth; a spring; a fountain. v.intr., To rise to the surface, ready to flow; to rise or surge from an inner source. v.tr., To pour forth. adj., In a satisfactory condition; right or proper. interj., Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation; used to express surprise.dictionary.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

I've been in the position to do a fair amount of interceding lately for different people and circumstances that God has placed on my heart and mind. One amazing gift of the Catholic Church is the opportunity to intercede in front of the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus Himself...

Recently I read Sr. Ann Shield's book Pray and Never Lose Heart: The Power of Intercession. The section that most struck me was chapter 6: "In the Name of Jesus."

She begins by quoting John 14:12-14, the last part of which is "Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it."

She then goes on to say:

Many times in the past I would read this passage and immediately try to apply it without fully understanding what Jesus meant. I would say, "Jesus, in your name, do this." Or, "Jesus, in your name, make this happen." Yet, is the name of Jesus just a formula we can attach to the end of any prayer we make? . . .

Consider what it usually means to make a request in someone else's name. If I were to ask you for money in the name of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, for example, you would rightly expect your money to help Mother Teresa's work. . .

In the same way, if we are praying "in the name of Jesus," our requests should have some connection with Jesus and his work. In other words, I had better have some reason to think that I am asking for something Jesus wants! When we are sincerely praying "in the name of Jesus," we do not simply say the name of Jesus at the end of our prayer. We are praying according to Jesus' heart and Jesus' intention.

When you have been pruned and the life of Christ is increasing in your life, you love him so much that you find yourself saying, "I want whatever is your will." This is what it means to ask in the name of Jesus. The only way you can know whether something is according to Jesus' nature and according to Jesus' will is by union with him.

And this is what she goes on to elaborate.

posted by Heidi | 24.3.04