Praying for peope who don't know God

Today I’m reminded of St. Veronica Guiliana (b. 1660) of Umbria who felt called to pray for people who didn’t know God. You see, I have a friend who is feeling devastated about certain circumstances in her life, but she doesn’t know God. Oh, she knows about God, but for her, God is for other people, not for rational, intellectual folks like herself. She’s doing the best she can on her own; admitting her feelings, talking with a few friends and getting professional help. These are strategies that we all might employ, but, speaking for myself, without God, they keep me mired in guilt and blame; they keep me feeling stuck.

     With God, I know I am not alone. With God I know that I have responsibility but that God will guide me. With God I know I am loved and forgiven. With God I know there are miracles. With God……. (you fill in yours).

      I am praying that my friend will come to know God. But I also believe in a God that can lift any situation to the highest good, no matter what. I believe that light will shine for my friend in God’s mysterious way and that God’s good will work through her. I am also very clear that it is none of my business how all of this happens--it is between God and my friend.

      God’s will for me is that I pray-- I have no choice. That is the part that I play. And besides, what if no one prayed?  Not worth the chance.

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