When we consider the spiritual life, we can most of the time be focused on ourselves and
our relationship with God. We reflect on how God has called us and is leading us on our
personal path to wholeness and holiness. While this is certainly worthy and important, it
is not complete. It is also true that loving God also connects us to one another. As the
popular song exclaims, “We are family, all my brothers and sisters and me!” The love of
God and love of neighbor should not be separated. How can we say we love God whom
we cannot see, without loving our neighbor whom we can see? Scripture reminds us.
We realize more and more that we are connected with all of the people of the world. This
becomes evident as media brings the world into our homes and into our thoughts and
conversations. We can recall the image of the Earth as viewed from outer space. There
are no walls or boundaries when Earth is viewed from the moon. What goes on
throughout the Earth does have an effect on our lives and “our world.” Our news displays
inhumanity on a daily basis. What can we do about it? Our connection to God can reach
all that God has created and loved. Our prayers for others can become acts of love uniting
us not only to God but to all of our brothers and sisters. Then God will inspire us to do our
part in bringing about God’s kingdom on earth.
- Is praying for others an important part of your spirituality?
- What happens in you when you remember others in prayer?
- Does your prayer ever lead you to change your attitude or inspire you to action?
O God, help me become more aware that my prayer for others is significant.