PRAYER - Faith Exposed with Cardinal Tagle

Summary

This video reflects on prayer as one of the three core disciplines of Lent, alongside fasting and almsgiving. It explores how prayer deepens our relationship with God, but also exposes us to spiritual challenges, as seen in Jesus' 40-day wilderness journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of humility in prayer, acknowledging our sinfulness, and relying on God's love and grace for transformation. Pope Francis is quoted, reminding us that prayer is a response to God's invitation. The video calls for deeper connection with God during Lent, especially through scripture and communal worship.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Prayer is one of the three disciplines of Lent, alongside fasting and almsgiving.
• 🕊️ Prayer is especially emphasized during Lent, though we should be praying daily.
• ⏳ During Lent, we aim to enter a reflective 'wilderness' like Jesus did for 40 days.
• ⚔️ Prayer does not fully protect us from the temptations of the devil, as seen in Jesus' experience in the wilderness.
• 📖 God's word helps us resist the devil's lies, making it important to study scripture through prayer.
• ⛪ Active participation in the community's prayer life, such as the church, is vital during this time.
• 🤲 Prayer is a response to God's loving outreach, as Pope Francis teaches.
• ❤️ Despite our sinfulness, God loves us as we are, and we should not let guilt keep us from connecting with Him.
• 🙏 Humility in prayer is key, as it helps us recognize our sinfulness and need for God’s grace.
• 🌿 Lent is a time to devote more to prayer, acknowledging God's love and seeking His salvation.

Q & A

What are the three disciplines of Lent mentioned in the script?

The three disciplines of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Why is prayer highlighted during Lent, even though it should be practiced daily?

Prayer is highlighted during Lent because it is a time when people hope to enter the wilderness, as Jesus did for 40 days, to examine themselves and their relationship with God and others in preparation for Easter.

Does prayer completely shield us from temptation?

No, prayer does not completely shield us from temptation. Even Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, and prayer makes us open to God, which the devil tries to interrupt.

What equips us to unravel the lies of the devil according to the script?

God's word equips us to unravel the lies of the devil, which is why we need to devote time to prayerful reading of scripture.

What does Pope Francis remind us about prayer?

Pope Francis reminds us that prayer is a response to God, who lovingly reaches out to us. It is God who always makes the first move, inviting us to connect or reconnect with Him.

Why should we not feel unworthy of God’s call, despite our sinfulness?

We should not feel unworthy of God’s call because God knows we are sinners and still loves us as we are. Our sinfulness should inspire us to seek God's grace for conversion.

What virtue is highlighted in the script as essential in prayer?

Humility is highlighted as essential in prayer, as it makes us aware of our sinfulness and our need for God.

What does the devil dislike according to the script?

The devil dislikes the virtue of humility because it leads us to acknowledge our need for God and His salvation.

What is the significance of pausing, praying, and participating in the liturgy?

Pausing, praying, and participating in the liturgy are our ways of responding to God's invitation to connect with Him.

How can someone overcome doubts about God's love for them?

Someone can overcome doubts about God's love by praying before Jesus hanging on the cross, which serves as a reminder of His unconditional love.