In Thanksgiving for Answered Prayers
By Sarah McDonald
On Sunday, August 23, as the threat of a hurricane double whammy loomed over New Orleans, we went to Mass as a family for the first time in several weeks. My husband and I figured there was no better time to attend together even if it meant mask-distracted 6 and 4 year olds.
When we returned home, my neighbor was outside gardening. She cut two flowers and gave them to my “Happy Face” child who loves flowers and all things girly, points she has made very clear in her just 2 years of life.
When we went inside, we put the flowers in water and placed them next to a statue of Mary in my girls’ room. Then we prayed together for Our Lady’s protection from the storm.
You know the rest: Hurricane Marco fizzled into literally nothing, and New Orleans was spared the wrath of Laura so that we could mobilize to help our sisters and brothers in the Lake Charles area. I was sure to remind the girls of the two flowers and the prayer intentions we presented to the Blessed Mother because our prayers were answered.
This is just one account of many where I have experienced God answering my prayers over these very challenging months. He has even given us a loving mother and a host of heavenly friends in the saints to intercede on our behalf.
God is good. God hears our prayers. God will never abandon us.
Every morning I conclude my morning prayers with a very short personal prayer that I want to share with you. You are welcome to adopt it or adapt it for yourself, and I hope if you do, you find yourself growing more in trust with God, his will for us, and in thanksgiving for answered prayers.
Dear Lord, as we go forward in this day, we know that you our God love us and you our God will provide for us. We give you thanks for all of our blessings, big and small. Amen
