​Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry

Composed by: Br. Pio Benedict

    “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”  Words 
entrusted to us by Saint Padre Pio. These are words of true faith and strength, words to incorporate 
into our being and our lives. When we pray we must truly believe our words are being heard and have 
faith that they will be answered and realize that God knows when we need something and He will 
answer those prayers at the appropriate time. As St. Catherine de Ricci professed, pray with confidence knowing that our prayers are heard and will be answered.

     These are difficult times.  Life is a maze of conflicting problems and issues. Money, finances, personal issues and lifestyles, challenges to our faith and rights. But as Christians we know and believe that we are on the right course, so hold steady and as Sts. Pio and Catherine de Ricci preach, believe. Everything will be alright; all will be taken care of; be patient and have faith. Know that your prayers will be answered. We worry how thoughts enter our mind.  Maybe sometimes in weakness, thoughts that are not too pleasant or Christian seep through, get stuck and simmer. Aha, now I know!  That’s why my prayers are not heard, see I am not a good Christian, I am weak. God will not listen to the words of a sinner. I have fallen. Whoa to thee of little faith. Again the words of St. Padre Pio shine through, “Have courage and do not fear the assaults of the devil. Remember this forever; it is a healthy sign if the devil shouts and roars around your conscience, since this shows that he is not inside your will.” "Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions you should only speak to Him with your heart.”

     The Saints teach us marvelous lessons. Look, learn and listen. God is here, He knows we are sinners but He loves us anyway. Have faith and be persistent.  Everything will be alright. God knows what we need and when we need it. As St. Paul says, we now see dimly, but we believe in God’s care and plan for us. It is all God’s will and we must have faith and trust in God’s plan for us. Again, “Pray, hope and don't worry."