The refrain from the Responsorial Psalm really stood out to me today. This concept called peace seems so elusive.  Yet, I daresay that it is a universal desire.  I certainly long for peace – with myself, with my choices, with my past, with my future, with my family, with my community, with the world!!  It was less than two months ago that we were hearing, Peace on Earth to Men of Goodwill. What is peace? Where is it?  What do I Google to find it?  Clearly, I can find the “meaning” in Merriam-Webster’s or Wikipedia  -- but what of the lived experience?  Sometimes this does, indeed, seem the impossible dream.

The stanzas in this Responsorial Psalm provides us the guide to reach this dream.  Give to the Lord Glory and Praise. The saving grace is PRAYER!  It’s what keeps my head above water on a daily basis.  Today is a special day for me as I think about prayers. My mother was born today 112 years ago and while she was born to eternal life 32 years ago, her influence about the power of prayer lives on.  I have shared her struggles here in previous reflections (I seem to have reflections often around this time) and her unfailing belief in prayer.  Her belief was not just idle words, rather it was DAILY practice.  Her pursuit of inner peace in facing her numerous losses was prayer – praying daily from a tiny booklet – I have the booklet that was on her table by the couch when she died.  She had worn out a couple and this last one was “laminated” with transparent tape to make it last (ever the frugal woman!!). 

I remember many years ago, reading Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. As you may recall, Frankl spent time not only in Auschwitz but also three other labor camps.  I am in awe of not only his ability to survive these experiences but, more importantly, his ability to maintain what has been called his INNER SPIRITUAL FREEDOM.  For him and others, prayer started each day.  I needed to go back and read about him again. I love what I found about him. He tells of finding a note in the pocket of the raggy clothes from a previous inmate at Auschwitz that he was given to wear.  The note was a Hebrew prayer:

Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one God!
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Clearly, this was not a coincidence! My label, once again, would be a God-incidence – the hand of God certainly was there.  The Serenity Prayer speaks of having the wisdom to know the difference to have courage to change or serenity to accept things.  Frankl asserted that Wisdom of knowing the difference was critical to survival - when we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. Building on his teachings and insights, it was said

Spiritual warfare is a must to victory. A life of prayer defeats the enemy of your soul and gives you direct connection to the One who created you, God, and it builds your relationship with Jesus Christ.   

My recent challenges in pursuing “serenity” pale in regards to what Viktor and so many others have endured. Once again, writing this reflection is a gift to me and puts so much in perspective. As you all know, music is what speaks most clearly to me, I couldn’t help but think of lines from the song, How Can I Keep From Singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing

Prayer is the answer.  I want to thank all the readers who pray for me and all the reflection writers.  Last month so many people responded with love and prayers, no only for me but for all the reflection writers.  I was overwhelmed and my heart and soul were filled with love and, yes, serenity.  Our mutual Spiritual Warfare was powerful and the ripples still flow.

The following song from Crowder seems to appropriate today.  The power of prayer especially group prayer is unbeatable.      
  Somebody Prayed