In the early years of my faith, I often approached prayer like a negotiation.
I’d come to God when I needed something—make promises, plead for outcomes.
And when things didn’t go the way I hoped, the quiet question lingered:
“Why didn’t God do what I asked?”
It’s a familiar temptation.
Even today, many treat prayer as a transaction—
A spiritual exchange where we offer words or deeds in hopes of receiving divine favors.
Some even mock this tendency, saying Christians treat God like a genie in the sky.
Rub the lamp, say the prayer, get the result.
And while that critique may sting, it invites a deeper examination:
Do we sometimes fall into that ourselves?
Do we come to God only when we’re in need?
Do we treat prayer like a payment—
A way to get God to act according to our plans?
But the Catholic tradition reminds us:
Christianity is not a transaction.
It is a covenant.
A living relationship with the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Prayer is not magic.
It is not a formula to manipulate divine will.
It is a sacred dialogue.
A grace-filled encounter between the creature and the Creator.
As the Catechism teaches, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (CCC 2559).
Its purpose is not to change God’s mind,
But to conform our hearts to His.
To grow in love, in trust, in surrender.
To be transformed by His presence.
We see this truth echoed in scripture.
Miriam and Aaron weren’t seeking intimacy with God.
They were seeking status.
“Why Moses?” they asked.
They wanted elevation, not communion.
But God speaks to Moses face to face—
Not because Moses demanded it,
But because he was humble, obedient, and surrendered.
Peter’s bold request—“Lord, if it is You, command me to come”—
Carries both faith and a hint of self-assurance.
He walks on water, yes—
But when the wind rises, he sinks.
Jesus doesn’t ask, “Why did you sink?”
He asks, “Why did you doubt?”
Because authentic faith is not about performance.
It is about trust.
It is about keeping our eyes fixed on Christ—
Even when the storm surrounds us.
God is found in all things—
Not just in answered prayers, but in the silence, the surrender, the daily walk.
God desires friendship, not manipulation.
He desires trust, not control.
He desires our whole heart, not just our words.
So today, let us walk with Him.
Not to get something—
But to be with Someone.
To be conformed to Christ.
To be drawn into the mystery of divine love.
Let us pray.
🕊️ Simple Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus,
teach us to pray
not for outcomes,
but for communion.
Shape our hearts,
steady our steps,
and help us walk in trust.
Amen.
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