Prayer Times.

Indeed, it is a humble attitude that we seek the face of God in times of difficulty as it implies we know He is our Sovereign Master; Who knows the unknown and sees beyond human comprehension.

These moments draw us close to Him. We try to mend our ways while relying on His mercy to see us through. I can recall in my school days that at various institutions we only indulge in Novena, fasting and praying mainly during exam periods. We tend to act so religiously and would even be willing to make trouble with anyone who seems to be acting in a manner we think would disrupt our prayers.

We do set all sorts of standards for ourselves during these periods. At one occasion, we extended our rituals to the due date of our result. It almost caused trouble based on the fact that by then we must have graduated and might be carried away by the euphoria that comes with graduating from school and all it's stress. It sounds funny now but that was how desperate we were at that time.

Meanwhile, what amazes me is the fact that we never declared a thanksgiving Novena or fast. We only buy petty gifts for thanksgiving and it ends there. I know this is applicable to all of us( including you reading) in our various lives and could be seen also in the way we relate with one another, in the sense that we pester others when in need and can forget them for a very long time or till God-knows-when when all seems so well with us, as long as we do not encounter a problem that would mean going back to them.

That makes me wonder if most of us would have turned to prayer if not for hard times. Perhaps, tests, hardships and disappointments makes us more committed by putting us in the  actively praying mood which would not have been that strong  if we flourish effortlessly all times.

They continually remind us of our dependency on God and fill the gaps we might have created during the very good times. However, we still need to pray at all times.