Prayer Is Answered

We continue today with the Acts of the Apostles and we read about Peter’s Gentile visitors:

 

Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon’s house and were standing by the gate. They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter, was staying there. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Look, three men are searching for you. Now get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them.’ So Peter went down to the men and said, ‘I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?’ They answered, ‘Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.’ So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging.

 

The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him. The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. On Peter’s arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshipped him. But Peter made him get up, saying, ‘Stand up; I am only a mortal.’ And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; and he said to them, ‘You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?’

 

Cornelius replied, ‘Four days ago at this very hour, at three o’clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes stood before me. He said, “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter; he is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.” Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say.’  (Acts 10:17-33)

 

I wonder what Cornelius’ prayer was.  Was Cornelius undergoing some terrible thing in his life?  Was Cornelius looking for answers?  Had Cornelius reached the height of his military profession and asked himself whether this was all that there was in life?  Had Cornelius heard about Jesus and his followers and did he ask God what he should do with his life?  We don’t know from the context of the narrative, but we do know that God answered his particular prayer whatever that may have been. 

 

God is the same way we us.  All we have to do is prayer, to open our hearts, minds and souls to the movement of God in our lives, and God will answer our prayer.  Perhaps not in the way we expect it or want it answered, but in a way that in the end will make us whole.

 

Let us pray:  For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old creation has gone, and now the new one is here. It is all God's work. It is God who through Christ has won us back and given us a share in this work of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5: 17-18

 

CALENDAR REMIDNERS

 

From Lee Runion: We will not be having the Friday night art and wine class because of an opening at Lawndale Gallery that Lee will be attending. Saturday the art room will be open from 10 am to 1pm for anyone who wants to come. This will be an unconstructed free time to work on whatever projects you want to, or want to finish.

 

If you haven’t had the opportunity to do so, and you can help Lee out this summer with the art week, please do so.  We have 8 children signed up thus far.  If you know of someone who would like to attend, please encourage them to sign up with Lee.

 

Seaside Seniors: Thursday, 18 July 2013 for lunch, and dancing in the evening from 7 pm to 9 pm.

 

Summer Adult Christian Education: Contemporary Moral Issues.  I’ll have handouts this Sunday and we will begin the Sunday after.

 

Please pray for everyone on our Prayer List.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

The Rev. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550