Expert: Fr. Michael - 2/19/2009

Question
Dear Fr. Michael:

I may not quote this verbatim, but in the bible, Jesus basically says "ask and you shall receive".  Yet, there are many times when we may pray for things such as: "Lord, please heal my grandmother of cancer", and yet she dies.  I have previously inquired the answer of this question, but the response I typically receive is: "If it is in God's will, then your grandmother will be healed".  If this statement proves true, what is the point of praying?

Answer
Ah, but receive what?  It is the pagans who pray to their gods for what they can get.  The point of praying is to elevate their minds and hearts to God, as St. Thomas Aquinas, the Church's principal theologian, says.  The principal purpose of prayer is to adore the God who created us.  Secondly, to give thanks to God for the gift of life, the Sacraments, grace, etc., to which we have no claim.  Thirdly, to do reparation for our many offenses to God's dignity.

As to prayers of petition, they are fine, but should never be the center of any Christian's prayer life.  Whenever we pray for something, it is not that we are Aladdin rubbing some magic lamp to give us three wishes.  Why would a just God give us what we ask for in ignorance that could well destroy our immortal souls?  We will receive what is good for our spiritual welfare.