Saint Paul is the greatest Catholic Christian theologian. Each sentence in his letters packs a wallop. Saint Peter, our first pope in 2 Pet 3:15-16, says this about the writings of Saint Paul, "Consider that our Lord's patience is directed towards salvation. Paul, our beloved brother, wrote you this in the spirit of wisdom that is his, dealing with these matters as he does in all his letters. There are certain passages in them hard to understand." [Emphasis added.]

Paul's letters comprise a large portion of the New Testament. As recently as the Council of Trent in the middle of the 16th century, the Church attributed 14 Books to Paul: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews. Today, some scholars and theologians call into question the authorship of some of them. No one questions the authorship of the Book of Romans: Paul authored it around 58 A.D.

The second reading at Mass on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (cycle A) consists of only two sentences from the Book of Romans (8:26-27). "Brothers and sisters: the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will."

In the past I have referenced William Barclay, Ph.D, a Protestant Biblical scholar, for insight into specific Bible passages. I do not always agree with his interpretation, but when it is in line with Church teaching, I do appreciate and learn from his research and knowledge. According to Dr. Barclay, in this Bible passage from Romans, Saint Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reveals the three key things we need to know about prayer. One, we cannot foresee the future. Two, we do not know what is best for us. Three, the prayers we ought to offer, but lack the intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom to do so, are offer for us by the Holy Spirit.

Since we cannot read tea leaves and see the future, we may mistakenly pray to be saved from things that are for our own good. At the same time, we may mistakenly pray for things that will ultimately harm us. Children often do this. They ask for something they want not realizing that it will harm them. Parents cannot see into the future, but from experience they know better than their children what will harm them; so they step in and protect them.

An ailing middle aged man went to his physician and detailed the physical ailments with which he was dealing. Following careful analysis, the doctor methodically prescribed a treatment. He explained to the man that the treatment at times would be unpleasant and even painful; but the doctor assured him that if he followed his treatment he would recover fully from what ailed him.

The patient left the doctor's office convinced that he would follow the doctor's prescribed treatment; but within a few days, the patient began to skip some of the treatment steps. Within a week he had reverted back to some of his bad habits that originally brought on his physical problem.

Several weeks later his symptoms grew noticeably worse. He returned to his doctor and complained that the treatment was not working. "Are you following the treatment just as I wrote it out for you?" the doctor asked. "Of course I am," his patient lied. The doctor knew his patient was not following his treatment. "There is nothing else I can offer you at this time," the doctor told his patient, "except ask you to remain faithful to my treatment. It will heal what ails you."

When we pray, we are the child and the patient; God is the parent and the doctor. It is our duty to accept God's guidance, His treatment, His will. Let me use the remainder of this paragraph to paraphrase Dr. Barclay on Rom 8:26-27. If we accept the things God sends us, we will know peace and happiness in this life and spend eternity with Him in the next. But if we struggle against His guidance, His treatment, His will, we uselessly beat our head against the immovable purpose of God. Our finite minds cannot grasp the fullness of God's plan for us; but the Holy Spirit can. He translates our vague or demanding prayers and presents them to our Father in heaven.

Ruth is a mother of six children who range in age from 1 to 17. Her husband, Ralph, spends too much time at the office. Her 82 year old mother-in-law, Agnes, is suffering from Alzheimer's. Ruth spends a good portion of her day caring for Agnes. Do you think this tired but caring woman has a few things to pray for? If this was your situation, what would you pray for? Listen in as Ruth kneels down to say her bedtime prayers. "Lord, I love you. Continue to fill me with your love that I may have the faith, strength, and wisdom to do your will. Bless our children, and fill Ralph and Agnes with your grace. I love you, Lord. Amen." This mother of six understands her limitations. She understands that God is in control. She trusts in Him and remains faithful to Him.

That same evening, Jimmy, a young, wheeler-dealer entrepreneur, sits in his office and prays, "God, help me. I'm in debt to everyone. I know this business of mine can be successful. It can give Julie and I and our daughter everything we want in order to be happy. Send some business our way. Let the bank approve our loan application. Help me, God." This young entrepreneur wants God's help; but his mind isn't open to it. He doesn't realize that God's been helping him. God gave Jimmy a loving wife and a beautiful daughter in addition to intelligence and determination. Unfortunately, Jimmy ignores God's gifts and plan. He lives with a misguided knowledge of what will make him and his family happy. He assumes that a successful business fits into God's plan for him. He does not seek God's wisdom; he does not carry on a two-way conversation with God; instead, he asks for a handout.

When you pray, do as Ruth did; acknowledge your limitations. You cannot see the future; you do not know what is best for you. Simplify your prayer, as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, "My Father, if it is possible let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will."

For more insight read CCC paragraphs 2559-61, 2565, 2590-91, 2607, 2611, 2670-71. Also, pull out your "Catholic" Bible and reference Jn 4:31-34; 14:17; Rom 6:5; 8:14-27; 1 Cor 12:3; Eph 3:14-21; 2 Pet 3:15-17.