Getting to know St. Monica

Dear reader, you know I am a fan of the community at Pray More Novenas, and I received an email this week that the next novena they’re planning - and which starts tomorrow - is the novena to St. Monica.

“This next saint we're calling on is especially known for being a persistent intercessor, and she also desired for those closest to her to reach Heaven someday,” the email tells us.

St. Monica is known for being a persistent pray-er because she prayed a long time for the conversion of her son, now known as St. Augustine, and also her husband.

I think about prayer a lot. Not what it is, but how it works - that it is not just about supplication, but also fidelity. Also, the knowledge that God works outside of time. So it is not simply a transaction, wherein I ask, and God gives. The act of praying is a sort of journey, to get to somewhere - and that might not be a “yes.” It might be greater trust in God, greater reverence for His will, greater obedience, or humility. God does always answer prayers, as they say, just not necessarily always how we want him to.

In praying for St. Monica’s intercession, you may want to consider difficult, long-lasting areas of concern in your life. Naturally many of us turn to tough relationships we want healed, yes. But is there something else? Is there something in your future that needs prayer? Is there an outcome that feels like an impossibility, something that needs developed and will take time? These are good matters to bring to St. Monica.

I am reminded, too, that it never hurts to pray for greater love and trust in Jesus. St. Monica, pray for us!