I didn’t know about “Prayer Circle” then, but one thing was very, very sure … God is already my refuge even then. It was September of 2011 when I met Sister Ranette at the chapel of Xavier University. God must have set the place and the time for me and her. How glad I was at that time, because God had given me so much that day in the person of Sister Ranette. That day marked the birth of coming into this “Prayer Circle” that I nurture up to now. By then, it became my refuge, my strength, my source of hope, joy and enlightenment.
This prayer circle is also a journey that looks into my being. It gives meaning to my existence. It keeps on telling me that life is not that bad, so I have to widen my patience and allow everything to happen just the way it should be. It tested my personhood, who am I? How I have to face my trials and above all who was God to me then? It allows me also to convene with different folks who are also struggling in some ways. It prevented me to allow self-pity to devour me in times that my faith was tested. It shaped a new hope even in the midst of the biggest heartbreak in my life. It paved the way for me and I found shoulders to cry on in those weakest moments when I felt everything was torn into pieces.
For now, the Prayer Circle becomes an important piece that keeps on reminding me that God is always constant in His loving ways. He keeps on reaching everybody through His love and I am glad He is there to answer the deepest questions no one could ever answer except Him. He becomes my ears, my eyes, my feet, my hands. I cannot imagine sometimes how I was able to overcome those things which were difficult for me to do. I do realize that when God really wishes something to happen, it will. Be it nice or ugly, as long as He is there to guide us, things will be possible.
The prize of seeing things in different perspective is a gift I have acquired in the Prayer Circle. Choosing diamonds in every stone I
have gathered is really difficult, but I need to do it. Selecting the purest gold in my life makes it a dilemma. Humility over pride somehow turns me to be somewhat stupid, but that is the challenge of Christ no matter what. To be obedient, without asking questions, is the most difficult thing to do because I have to do it HIS WAY and not MY WAY. This PRAYER CIRCLE will continue to unfold things according to His will. What will it be, it is for sure …God’s will. (MJ)
