Pope Francis: a day that begins with prayer is a good day

Prayer makes every day better, even the hardest days, Pope Francis said. Prayer transforms a person's day "into grace, or rather, transforms us: it appeases anger, sustains love, multiplies joy, instills the strength to forgive," the Pope said on February 10 during the general audience weekly. Prayer is a constant reminder that God is near and therefore, "the problems we face no longer seem to be obstacles to our happiness, but appeals from God, opportunities to meet him," Pope Francis said, continuing his series of speeches in audience. on prayer.

“When you start to feel anger, dissatisfaction or something negative, stop and say, 'Lord, where are you and where am I going?' The Lord is there, ”the pope said. “And he will give you the right word, an advice to go on without this bitter and negative taste, because prayer is always - to use a secular word - positive. It keeps you going. "When we are accompanied by the Lord, we feel braver, freer and even happier," he said. “So, let us pray always and for everyone, even our enemies. This is what Jesus advised us: “Pray for your enemies” “. Putting us in contact with God, the pope said, "prayer drives us towards an overabundant love". In addition to praying for their family and friends, Pope Francis asked people to "pray above all for people who are sad, for those who cry in loneliness and despair that there may still be someone who loves them".

Prayer, he said, helps people love others, “despite their mistakes and sins. The person is always more important than his actions and Jesus did not judge the world, but he saved it “. “Those people who always judge others have a horrible life; they condemn, they always judge, ”he said. “It is a sad and unhappy life. Jesus came to save us. Open your heart, forgive, excuse others, understand them, be close to them, have compassion and tenderness, like Jesus “. At the end of the audience, Pope Francis led prayers for all who died or were injured on February 7 in northern India when part of a glacier broke away, triggering a major flood that destroyed two hydroelectric dams under construction. More than 200 people were feared to have died. He also expressed his best wishes to the millions of people in Asia and around the world who will celebrate the Lunar New Year on February 12. Pope Francis said he hopes all those who celebrate will enjoy a year of “fraternity and solidarity. At this time when there are so strong concerns about facing the challenges of the pandemic, which not only affects people's body and soul, but also affects social relationships, I hope that every person can enjoy the fullness of health and serenity. ".