Pope urges perseverance in prayer

July 01, 2013

Pope Francis encouraged tenacity in prayer, in his homily for a weekday Mass on July 1.

Commenting on the day’s Old Testament reading, about how Abraham begged God not to destroy the city of Sodom, the Pope remarked that Abraham shows courage in his exchange with the Almighty, “because he’s bartering the price—down, down.”

That willingness to continue pleading with God is a model of perseverance, the Pope told his congregation. He said that St. Theresa spoke of “prayer as negotiating with the Lord.” That process can be tiring, the Pope said. But more important, the approach is only appropriate “when there’s familiarity with the Lord.” Some who prays steadily, building up a relationship with God, is then prepared for that sort of negotiation, the Pontiff said.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pope Francis: prayer requires courage, tenacity (Vatican Radio)