Knights of Columbus Elder Council 1195

How might this Council be different if we routinely prayed together to hear and discern God’s promptings regarding the goals and roles of its leaders?

As Council leaders how should we be praying and for what? To help answer this, how does our personal and corporate prayer for our brother Knights, parishioners and other people reflect the prayer pattern outlined in the Lord’s Prayer?

• “Our heavenly father hallowed be thy name” expresses reverence and praise
• “Thy kingdom come; and “give us this day our daily bread” are petitions
• “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” suggests patience
• “Forgive us our trespasses” is a plea for Divine mercy
• “As we forgive others” reminds us to be merciful also
• “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” asks for spiritual protection
• “For thy kingdom, power, and glory are yours now and forever” recognizes God’s power.

Food for Thought:

• How are our prayers as Council leaders helping us grow in faith in God’s providence?
• How often are we praying in faith vs. as a ritual or out of obligation?
• How can our prayers and the way we pray be improved?
• To what extent are we asking God to provide for our needs individually and corporately vs. serving God according to His will? This assumes we know God’s will for this Council which is another reason to pray constantly.
• What are we prompted to pray for? Where does that prompting originate, i.e., from within or outside of us?
• Do we routinely see the fruits of our prayers?

Prayerful Meditation:

While preparing this reflection I asked Jesus for an insight to share with you. This is what I received:

My brothers, each of you was created in Our image and likeness. With Divine roots and DNA, you have gifts and graces beyond your human imaginations and weaknesses. You also have Us with and within you at all times. Don’t ever forget this. You are not alone, nor are you tempted beyond your ability to resist because We are with you, caring for and protecting you.

Use your prayer time to seek Our guidance and blessings. Go through each day looking for Our presence to help you further Our kingdom. With open eyes, ears, mind and heart you will recognize how to live each moment. Be not afraid. Be at peace. We are with you always! Remain focused on and faithful to Us and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Challenge:

Brothers, as Knights of Columbus, individually and collectively we have Divine potential to fulfill our mission of unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism to degrees far surpassing our traditional accomplishments. Jesus reminded us to “ask, seek and knock” in faith and doors will open to us, we will find what we desire (Matt. 7:7-8; Lk. 11:9-10). Jesus also taught that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed we could move a mountain and nothing will be impossible to us. (Mt. 17:20).

Let’s Pray:

Almighty God, we seek to know your will for this Council and how it can further your Kingdom here and now. We believe you created, blessed and brought us together for this purpose. Inspire us to pray in faith as Jesus taught us. Open our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to your will and the opportunities you provide us to respond. This we ask in the name of your Son, with the power of your Holy Spirit, and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother - Mary.