Praying Solves All My Problems – “Key” Message
Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 25 September 2011
A few months ago, while at the doctors office and as the nurse was taking my vitals, I noticed one of those stretchycharm bracelets on her arm. On this particular bracelet there were a few icons including one of Pope Shenouda of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The bracelet gave me an opportunity to open a conversation about faith with her.
She confessed that the Pope had inspired an awe in her, not only with his presence but with a few words which she shared with me that morning. She embraced this message as if it were her personal mantra, never tiring to repeat it and she was completely sold on it power. In fact, when she shared these words with me I found the message so profound and deep that I stopped mid-blood pressure check, took the pen from my pocket and wrote it down. The message was so simple that I feared I might lose it amidst the clutter of my physical testings that morning. The words of the Pope were quite simple: “Praying solves all my problems.”
That’s it! Praying solves all of my problems! Did I mention it was a simple message? Did I say that it was profound?
As you reflect on your life — your Christian journey — you find that prayer is a personal and private means of focusing on your needs and the needs of your community. “Your heavenly Father already knows your needs,” says our Lord Jesus Christ. So prayer is not only conversation with God but a conversation with the self—opening up an opportunity for us to focus and center our Christian commitment and responsibility in this world.
As you see, this week’s schedule is full of special needs that require first and foremost our prayers. Remember our outreach and ministry as I remember you in my prayers. Prayer solves all of our problems.
~ Fr. Vazken
This message is elaborated at www.epostle.net – on the “Next Step”
*The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16) At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians…
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