Humility is the cornerstone of prayer

October 28, 2007 -- 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. What is your understanding of prayer? 2. Is prayer for you more listening or speaking? 3. Why is humility the cornerstone of prayer?

In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the King gives a commentary on the fruitlessness of praying for forgiveness when one refuses to turn away from effects of the sins needing forgiveness. This is the King who murdered his brother and stole his brother's wife as well as his brother's throne. He declares: "My fault is past. But, O! what form of prayer / Can serve my turn? 'Forgive me my foul murder?' / That cannot be since I am still possess'd / Of those effects for which I did the murder, / My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen" (III, iii, 55-56).

Jesus gives us his commentary regarding the effectiveness of prayer. It comes down to whether the one praying has an attitude of humility or self-righteousness. That frame of mind makes all the difference in the world for the first is based on truth and the second on a lie. And, as the Scriptures relate, it is the truth that sets us free.

St. Paul was a man of prayer. He makes it very clear in his letter to Timothy that he was able to keep the faith and finish the race for one reason: God stood by him and gave him the strength he needed. Paul was deeply aware of his own limitations and sin. It was the Lord who rescued him time and time again. No exaltation here but rather a humble, grateful disciple.

In the book of Sirach we are given more information about prayer. God hears the cry of the oppressed and is not deaf to the orphan's plea. Indeed, the prayer of the poor and lowly pierces the heavens and God responds in due time. There seems to be a divine preferential option for the poor and needy, though Sirach comments that it is not unduly partial. Our faith assures us that our Creator God not only gives us life but sustains us on the journey. The Lord is at our side as our strength and blessed assurance.

When we go into church to pray as the two men went into the temple, it is important whether or not we "bow" our head. "Bow" here means that we come to prayer, be it individual or corporate worship, with a sense of deep reverence and awe. Prayer is both addressing God in a variety of ways (thanksgiving, petition, sorrow, adoration) and being addressed by God. Thus, silence also plays an important role - "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening."

The Pharisee in claiming that he was not like other people who are grasping, crooked, and adulterous, is not aware of how inane and false his words were. He is like everyone else, struggling with the forces of evil that surround all of us. The fact that he fasts and pays tithes is but one aspect of one's spirituality. Much more is at play: reverence, silence, humility.

Again to return to the "theologian" Shakespeare. He has more to say about prayer through the King in "Hamlet." And what is said is profoundly accurate: "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: / Words without thoughts never to heaven go" (III, iii, 97-98).

(Bishop Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)