‘Prayotherapy’

No joke today. It is not a joke to experience the not-so-good side effects of my first chemotherapy these days. But guess what? I have discovered a very uplifting experience which I call “prayotherapy”—i.e., Pray you! You pray, and a lot of things fall into place, and tremendous strength and courage come your way.

In today’s Gospel (Jn. 6:60-69), Jesus tells His disciples: “It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail.” We must learn to transcend and go beyond our limits and our limitations. It is our faith that helps us to see more clearly, endure more bravely, and move on more surely—and that’s what Prayotherapy is all about.

Simon Peter said: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” How true. There are so many loud and confusing voices around us. Let us choose to listen, and listen well to God, and not to the would-be gods in our midst who are here now and gone soon.

No schedules, no appointments, no functions these days of rest and prayer. I just let the world go by, and allow the Lord to be at my side. It is a humbling experience. But more than that, it is a privilege to be given the time to recuperate, and offer prayers and sacrifices for others as well.

Prayotherapy has made me realize that my most important appointment today is my appointment with God. How often do we set aside, rush and belittle prayer because of “more important” matters at hand? How many people end up empty and vain in the end, in pursuit of their worldly and selfish agenda?

What if your appointment to meet your God were to happen today? Would you be ready?

Just when I was feeling weak and low, a butterfly came fluttering by and stayed with me by my side. My siblings and I associate the butterfly with the presence of departed loved ones, especially our Mama. It was such a heartwarming and consoling moment to know that she is around, and to feel her comfort and assurance.

It happened about five in the afternoon the other day, and also yesterday, just before I prayed the Rosary and said Mass. Prayotherapy makes us feel and see what is invisible to the eye.

Prayotherapy makes us acknowledge and appreciate our blessings, and allows us to offer our pains and sufferings. Prayer gives meaning to our victories and travails. Yes, let’s pray much, pray more, and pray on!

Here are symptoms that Prayotherapy is working for you toward spiritual awakening: “An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen; frequent attacks of smiling; the feeling of being connected with others and nature; frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation; a tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience; an unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment; a loss of ability to worry; a loss of interest in conflict, in interpreting the actions of others or judging others; a loss of interest in judging oneself; gaining the ability to love without expecting anything in return.”

If symptoms persist, smile at God and at the world around you!

Think about this: “Pain has a purpose. It is not to leave you brokenhearted, discouraged or hopeless, but to bring you to your knees, help you to trust in God, and come out stronger and braver.”

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help us to pray much, pray more, and pray on. Amen.

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