Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ‘C’

This week’s Scripture readings remind us about the transformative power of prayer - not just  what we say to God, but how we approach that conversation. Together, they invite us to  rediscover intercessory prayer, the beauty of the Our Father, and the importance of persistence,  trust, and even boldness in our prayer lives. 

The First Reading from Genesis paints a vivid picture of Abraham interceding for the people of  Sodom. At first glance, it might seem like Abraham is skillfully bargaining with God, but what we  really see is a picture of honest, vulnerable, and persistent prayer. Abraham’s courage reminds  us that it’s okay to bring our deepest concerns, questions, and even our doubts before God— trusting that God responds to compassion and goodness, not just formulas or rituals. 

The Responsorial Psalm captures a core truth: “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered  me.” This is a song of hope, one that encourages us to call out to God—not just when  everything is falling apart, but as an everyday practice, knowing God welcomes our cries and  meets us with love. 

Paul’s letter to the Colossians doesn’t specifically talk about prayer, but he goes straight to the  source of why prayer matters in the first place. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we  are connected to God in a way we never could have created on our own. Prayer is not an empty  ritual, but a way of dwelling in this relationship, of drawing life from the reality that, in Christ, we  are forgiven and made new. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples the Our Father—not just a set of words to repeat,  but an attitude of trust, closeness, and persistence in prayer. Jesus encourages us to approach  God honestly, persistently, and fearlessly. Whether we’re praying for strength, for healing, for  others, or for ourselves, he assures us that God welcomes our prayers and doesn’t get tired of  listening. Prayer doesn’t nag God into action; it draws us deeper into the mystery of God’s love. 

So many of us admit that prayer is the first thing to go when life gets hectic. We tell ourselves  we are too busy, or wonder if prayer accomplishes much beyond a fleeting sense of peace. Yet  Jesus reminds us that prayer isn’t a duty or a last resort – it is our lifeline, our source of real  strength and connection. Prayer centers us, reorients our priorities, and fills us with the love and  courage we need to live with purpose. 

Some also wonder: “If God is good and loving, why do I need to pray at all?” The answer is  found in relationship. Prayer is not about convincing God to care but about sharing our hearts  honestly and opening ourselves to grace. Real prayer is far from boring when we realize it is a  genuine conversation - with all its rawness, silence, listening, and sometimes even frustration. 

It’s about being real before God, and letting God be real to us, right in the middle of our ordinary  lives. 

Let us challenge ourselves to rediscover the power of prayer - not just as a ritual, but as a  vibrant, daily conversation with the God who loves us. And let us pray with openness, with  persistence, and with a trust that God is always listening, even when the answers come in  unexpected ways.