Why Pray?

by Fr. Don Kline, V.F.  |  10/19/2025  |  Letter from the Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

One of the things I have practiced and promoted throughout my priesthood is Eucharistic Adoration. Over the years, my daily holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament has strengthened my faith, helped me in my priesthood, and brought me closer to Our Lord and the people I serve. Eucharistic Adoration has also brought many blessings and life changing moments to the parishioners in the parishes I have served over the years.

Eucharistic Adoration helps those who adore feel closer to Jesus and helps them to become more fully aware of His Real Presence in the Eucharist. Some people may believe that adoration of Our Lord is only for the pious people. Adoration is especially for those of us who have problems and those who most need the strength and comfort of Our Lord.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells a story to teach us that we must pray persistently. A woman pesters a judge relentlessly to remedy a wrong she has suffered and finally he gives in — just to get rid of her. Jesus says that if persistence pays off even in dealing with evil men, how much more will it pay off when praying to God! Personally, I have found that my prayer helps to conform my heart to the Heart of Our Lord. Above and beyond whatever benefits others may receive from our prayer and good deeds, these acts of piety and service benefit us who pray. Adoration of Our Lord helps us to become the people God created us to be… to become saints.

But this does raise a question: If God knows everything, why do we have to ask Him for what we need? He already knows our needs and unlike the woman who had to be persistent to get what she needed from a corrupt judge, God only wants what is best for us — so why do we have to be persistent with Him?

It seems like the widow's persistence changed the judge, but notice: He may have changed his mind about what was expedient in this instance but he himself remained the same corrupt man as before. In reality, it is the woman who changes. Her persistence in the face of obstacles stretches her, strengthens her and makes her fearless. Indeed, her strength of character became so great that the judge began to fear that she might do him harm. He says: “I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.” But even he could see how much stronger her persistence had made her.

That is why Jesus insists that we should pray always without becoming weary. Prayer moves our hearts to be more like the heart of Our Lord. Persistent prayer changes us, not God. It stretches us and strengthens us to confront evil and overcome obstacles. It fills us with God’s grace, His power and the light of Christ. To grow in holiness, to become who God created us to be, we must remain faithful and persistent. My experience tells me that our sinful human character is difficult to change and does change spiritual fortitude which is the fruit of persistence. Our Lord has great confidence in us – more than we have in ourselves. In that way, we become disciples who will do His will faithfully and with selfsacrificing courage and love, regardless of the challenges and obstacles we face.

So what troubles are you dealing with right now? The woman in the parable was facing mistreatment and injustice. Jesus uses this story to assure us that God will vindicate, secure the rights of all who pray to Him persistently. Your troubles may be different, but God's promises are as true for you as they were for her. I invite you to turn to Him and spend time in His Presence and learn from Him. Ask Our Lord to make you courageous in times of trouble and loving when you feel hate. Ask him persistently to mold you into the saint He created you to be.

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline