08/14/14 (0120) Christian Prayer IN THE OLD TESTAMENT Gods promise and the prayer of Faith 2570 When God calls him, Abraham goes forth as the Lord had told him; Abrahams heart is entirely submissive to the Word and so he obeys. Such attentiveness of the heart, whose decisions are made according to Gods will, is essential to prayer, while the words used count only in relation to it. Abrahams prayer is expressed first by deeds: a man of silence, he constructs an alter to the Lord at each stage of his journey. Only later does Abrahams first prayer in words appear: a veiled complaint reminding God of his promises which seem unfulfilled. Thus one aspect of the drama of prayer appears from the beginning: the test of faith in the fidelity of God. 2571 Because Abraham believed in God and walked in his presence and in covenant with him, the patriarch is ready to welcome a mysterious Guest into his tent. Abrahams remarkable hospitality at Mamre foreshadows the annunciation of the true Son of the promise. After that, once God had confided his plan, Abrahams heart is attuned to his Lords compassion for men and he dares to intercede for them with bold confidence. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 2nd Edition
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 06:07:47 +0000
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