Since 1984, my one and only job at Creighton University has been to raise funds. One of my first road trips was to San Francisco. Having no fundraising experience, coupled with being a small-town boy in a big city for the first time, I was a bit nervous, to say the least.

I had secured an appointment with a prominent graduate and went to her office to plead my case for financial support. After the small talk was over and it was time for the “ask,” I can still remember looking down at my shoes and talking faster than Motormouth-John Moschitta Jr., as I blurted out, “I am supposed to ask you for a pledge of $500 per year for the next five years. I know that is a lot of money, and if you cannot do it, that it is ok. But on my way out, can your office validate my parking?” To my surprise, the donor said she would contribute $1,000 per year and yes, she would even validate my parking.

All of us probably have similar stories about having an awkward conversation when asking for something.

But what about our conversations with God? How comfortable are we asking for God’s assistance? In Hebrews, we are reminded that, Let us, then, have no fear in approaching the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace when we are in need of help.

These are very comforting words, but I fear for many of us, they beg the question: How often do we take the time to talk to God and ask for his help?
How many of us race through the daily missal, move the bookmark to tomorrow’s readings, head to the kitchen for another cup of coffee and then start to focus on what is really important to us…unread messages on our phones or our daily to do list?

Why do we not stop then and there to talk to God? Are we afraid to ask for God’s help? Do we not realize that God wants to hear what brings us joy and what is bothering us? God wants to know, so he can bestow his mercy, kindness, and grace on us, ease our burdens and make us better Christians.

Lent is often when we focus on renewing and strengthening our faith. But we need to continue that effort beyond Easter and work to deepen our prayer life throughout the upcoming year. We need to make it a habit to set aside 10, 15 or 20 minutes of quiet time each day to talk to God, to approach the throne – without fear – in search of God’s mercy and grace. We need to tell God know how our day is going and our hopes, dreams, and fears. And equally as important, to thank him for his endless love and being at our side, each and every day. Have a Blessed Easter.