Expert: Tom Schott - 4/22/2008

Question
Hello Deacon Tom!  I am a practicing catholic who has a few questions about prayer, in particular, a prayer I’ve been praying for quite some time.  I currently live with my parents, sister, and my son.  My parents are getting older now, and my mother requires a lot of time and attention.  As I am also a single mother you can imagine how difficult it can be taking care of both my mother and son.  My sister and father help out, but I’ve just been feeling extremely overwhelmed living with everyone.  In our small house, I gave my bedroom to my son, and now sleep on the couch.  All of my possessions are scattered around the house.  I don’t have a place I can call mine.  For the past year or so I’ve been praying that God gives me the financial strength to get my own place, yet be able to help my parents when needed.  The other night, while in prayer, I felt God’s presence in a very profound way.  We talk about having faith to move mountains, and in those moments when I felt him there I had absolutely no doubt that he was present.  I became really nervous.  I felt that he was waiting for me to say something, but I didn’t know what to say because I was scared, and felt so small.  I then talked myself into asking him what I have been asking him for, and I feel as though I might have offended him.  Later that night I continued to pray, and as I did I felt his presence come back as strong as it was before.  This time, I told him that I completely trust him and will wait for what he wishes.  My question is this- Do you think it is wrong of me to ask for this?  Anytime I pray for material things I get the sense that God isn’t happy with my request, yet it is God who provides for us. I try to speak from the heart and tell God everything that’s on my mind, and why I feel the need for these material things.  Yet, I get the sense that I’m just rambling on, and perhaps that is how God sees it to.  What do you think?

Answer
Nicole,

I don't think it's possible to offend God with prayer, any kind of prayer. The fact that you feel his presence so strongly with you is evidence enough for me that he is enfolding you in his loving presence and will continue to watch over you. The God we believe in is a God of love. As John 1 reminds us, no one has ever seen God, but he's visible in all the acts of love we witness in our lives. He's surely at work in what you're doing for your mother and son, and the trials you're undergoing to do so. You've already told him that your trust in him is total, and you will wait for his actions in your life. How could a God of love be displeased with this.

I wish you would pray for me in the prayers you offer to our heavenly Father.