In the life of the spirit, a “petition” is an anguished and insistent cry to God. “Prayer,” on the other hand, is a pious and familiar conversation with the Lord, a conversation focused on God, a restful sojourn with the Lord, as much as this is possible. An “intercession” is an urgent impetration or entreaty to obtain some temporal benefit or material thing necessary for the present life. God nevertheless does what He considers to be best, answering the requests of a person who asks kindly. “Thanksgiving” consists in acknowledging God’s grace and His salvific will, a tireless orientation toward the Lord, even if at times the exterior acts do not correspond to interior intention.

In requesting these things we must pray devoutly and faithfully, but not stubbornly insisting on them since only the Father, who is in heaven, knows what is necessary for this life.

Let us pray...

O good Saint Anthony, Prayerful Intercessor, be my advocate at God's throne, presenting my petitions, and obtaining all the graces I beg for myself and others, mindful that in God's will is our peace.  Amen.

Intercessors of Prayer Today