The responsorial psalm in today’s Mass can capture and hold our attention: “Have pity on us, O Lord, have pity on us.”
Sometimes the simplest expressions make our best prayer; they tend to be real. Prayer focuses our attention on the Lord, turning to him with confidence: “our eyes are on the Lord our God.” The more we fix our eyes on him, the more we realize we are sinners in need. In his mercy he forgives us, gives us the love that saves, makes us more like himself.
Fidelity is the key.
This message is enhanced in the 2nd reading: Gladly, “I will boast of my weakness, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” I cannot remind the Lord too often of my weakness, of my lack of gratitude for the many blessing he has given to me. For this reason, every prayer of petition should begin with a prayer of thanksgiving. Mary shows how this is done in her Magnificat.
Finally, today is the 4th of July. I shall say a special prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings I have received because I am an American citizen, and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, the patroness of our country, I shall ask him to shower continuous blessings on this land and its people.