"On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer." Acts 16:13
"Where we thought there would be a place of prayer." Who goes to the river, not knowing if it is a good place to pray, and finds it crowded with women and still stays? I'll tell you who, a follower of Christ. God invites us all to pray, because it's where we encounter him, but others as well. Paul and the other followers probably didn't think that the river, which was crowded with women, would be the best place for them to pray. However, this is the place that God brought them too. Where is the craziest, weirdest, or most uncomfortable place that God has asked you stop and pray? Was it in an airport, at a family gathering, or maybe at a concert? Did you have the courage to pray in that moment or did you walk away? Yes, there are proper places to pray, but who is to say that by the river, crowded with women, is not a proper place to pray. Could God be leading you to encounter your brothers and sisters, who may need that kind of courageous witness, with your yes to pray in places that seem crazy, weird, or uncomfortable? For every place God leads you, is a good place of prayer!
Are you willing to pray where God takes you? If not, what is holding you back?
Lord, may we be given the courage to pray where you lead us. No matter to situation, the circumstance, or the place, may we be witnesses to the world.
Reflection by:
Deacon Israel "Izzie" Hernandez
Did you know...
Deacon Israel "Izzie" Hernandez is a transitional deacon for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He was ordained on April 25th and God-willing, be ordained to the priesthood next May. His home parish is Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O' Lakes. He loves sports and is a fan of the Bucs, Bolts, Rays, Bulls, and Magic.
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here
