My dear brothers and sisters,

How can we make our prayers powerful and effective? The answer lies in the Word of God. Every day, we hear words from our families, friends, colleagues, and the world around us. Some encourage us, while others fill us with fear and discouragement. If human words can influence our lives so deeply, imagine the power of God’s Word!

Matthew 12:36-37: “36I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter.” “37For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

The Word of God is not ordinary. It is living, active, and capable of transforming our lives. Just as a living seed grows and bears fruit, God’s Word works within us when we receive it with faith. Every Word of God has a purpose and will accomplish what He intends.

Hebrews 4:12: “12Indeed, the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit. Joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Isaiah 55:11 “11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth it shall not return to me empty but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

I remember a young boy who suffered from severe anxiety whenever his examinations approached. His parents and teachers repeatedly told him that he would fail, filling his heart with fear. I asked him to repeat Philippians 4:13 twenty-five times, three times a day.

Philippians 4 13: “13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Gradually, his confidence returned, and he eventually passed his examinations with excellent marks. My dear brothers and sisters, we must replace negative thoughts with God’s promises. When Joshua was afraid to lead the Israelites, God strengthened him with these words:

Joshua 1:9. “9Joshua, I hereby command you, be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Whatever challenges you face, remember that God is with you. His Word brings courage where there is fear and hope where there is despair.

I also remember a woman who came to the Divine Retreat Centre after being rejected by her husband and family. She had lost all hope and wanted to end her life. I encouraged her to attend the retreat and repeat Isaiah 41:10 twenty-five times, three times daily.

Isaiah 41:10; “10Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

During the retreat, she experienced a profound transformation. She regained hope, found employment, established a home, and began sharing her testimony with others. My dear brothers and sisters, no matter how difficult life becomes, never forget that your life is precious to God.

Many people ask me how to pray during sickness, loneliness, fear, or family difficulties. I encourage them to find the promises of God connected to their circumstances, read them, meditate upon them, and repeat them with faith. God’s Word strengthens us, cleanses our hearts, and brings us closer to Him.

Isaiah 55:11; “11So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty.”

John 15:3; “3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.”

The Word of God can also transform our families. I remember a mother whose son had rejected God. I encouraged her to place Scripture passages about God’s love and forgiveness throughout their home. Gradually, he began reading them, asking questions, and eventually attended a retreat. His attitude towards faith began to change. God’s Word is like a seed; once planted, it can grow and bear fruit.

Another mother shared how her daughter, after experiencing God’s love at a retreat, returned home crying and asked, “Mama, why didn’t you tell me about Jesus all these years?” My dear parents, we work hard to provide our children with the best education and opportunities, but we must never neglect their spiritual lives. Let them see us praying, reading the Bible, and living our faith.

Hebrews 13:17: “17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account.”

As priests and parents, we have a responsibility towards the souls entrusted to our care. Our children need more than knowledge about religion; they need to experience the love of Jesus. I once met a baptised young man who claimed to have lost his faith, yet knew very little about Christ. This reminded me that faith must be nurtured through prayer, Scripture, and a personal relationship with God. Like the prodigal son who returned because he remembered his father’s love, those who experience God’s love can always find their way back to Him.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a nurse told me about a critically ill patient who did not believe in God. She encouraged him to repeat a simple prayer: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on me.” As he prayed, he began to cry and experienced peace in his heart. Although he passed away a few days later, he had turned to Jesus in his final moments. My dear brothers and sisters, effective prayer does not require many words. Even a simple prayer, spoken with sincere faith, can open our hearts to God’s mercy.

John 15:5: “5I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

My dear brothers and sisters, the secret to effective prayer is to remain united with Jesus through His Word. Read the Bible daily, meditate on His promises, pray with your family, and allow His Word to guide your life. When we treasure God’s Word in our hearts, our faith grows, our fears diminish, and our lives are transformed.

Let us close our eyes and pray:

“Lord, without you I am nothing. Apart from you, I am nothing, Lord. I hold on to your Word. You sent the Word and healed the people. Right now, I thirst and pray: send your Word to me, Lord. I need your Word. I follow your Word. Let your Word be treasured in my heart, as Mother Mary did.”

Transcribed by Greta Furtado