Every day I am in awe of the awesome wonders of prayer. I always had a basic faith in prayer. I knew it was a way to communicate with God and to show our acknowledgment of Him. But for years I was missing out on so much more. Prayer is good for us as well as good for our relationship with God. Ever since I made a habit of praying the Rosary every day, I feel blessed more than ever.
I thought my heart wasn't hardened, yet each time I pray I feel something lifting in my heart. It is like watching a craftsman chipping away at a rocky exterior.
The most significant example of this is my interaction with my next door neighbor. She's elderly and a very animate person. Kids in the neighborhood view her as the "grumpy one." I asked a friend who is studying to be a priest, "What can I do? I'm trying to be Christian, but it is so hard towards her."
His answer: Pray for her. So simple, yet it hadn't crossed my mind. I then spoke to a very close friend of mine, one who I consider a wonderful spiritual adviser. She agreed that praying for my neighbor would help.
I have to admit, I was doubtful at the time. Even though I know deep down that it is never impossible for God to change anyone, I just couldn't see it happening with this person. However, I did include her in my prayers that night. Shortly after that I began praying the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every night.
Then the incredible happened. Yesterday, my "grumpy" neighbor rang my doorbell. My first thought was, "Oh no." However, the minute she spoke, my guard disappeared. She was asking me if we could park our car across the street the next day because she's having cement work done. The amazing part is - she asked nicely. I didn't see the face of stone I have seen for years. This is a big deal. The bigger miracle was that both of us were civil and kind to each other.
Who knows. Maybe next time she might not be so nice - but this is a huge start. For both of us. Never doubt what prayer can do. Pray every day. Make God not just someone to chat with every once in a while. Make Him part of your everyday life. He's with us all the time.
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