When Prayer Feels Dry, Keep Saying Yes — Like Blessed Raymond Lull ✝️
Dear Friend, Today we honor Blessed Raymond Lull, a man whose life was marked by relentless devotion to sharing the Gospel—even in the face of indifference, opposition, and ultimately martyrdom. After hearing a sermon that pierced his heart, Raymond left behind a privileged life in the king’s court and dedicated himself to the mission field. He spent years in solitude, study, and writing—preparing others to serve, building bridges through language, and eventually giving his life as a missionary in North Africa at the age of 79. His life echoes today’s Minute Meditation from St. Anthony Messenger: “Prayer is a relationship with God. Relationships take time and are based on love.” Like Raymond, we may not always feel peace or clarity when we pray or serve—but that doesn’t mean we aren’t connected to God. Sometimes, our faithfulness in dry seasons is the most powerful form of prayer we can offer. Raymond’s tireless efforts—met with silence, delay, even violence—still bore fruit centuries later through the missionary work in the Americas. At Franciscan Media, we share these stories and reflections to help you stay rooted in that relationship with God—even when the way is quiet, difficult, or unclear. If our work has encouraged you during dry or searching seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly donor? Your ongoing support helps us continue this mission of hope, education, and faithful witness—just as Raymond Lull did. |
Patty Crawford
Director of Marketing |
Saint of the Day for June 26:
Raymond Lull (c. 1235 – June 28, 1315) Listen to Blessed Raymond Lull’s Story Here Raymond worked all his life to promote the missions and died a missionary to North Africa. Raymond was born at Palma on the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea. He earned a position in the king’s court there. One day a sermon inspired him to dedicate his life to working for the conversion of the Muslims in North Africa. He became a Secular Franciscan and founded a college where missionaries could learn the Arabic they would need in the missions. Retiring to solitude, he spent nine years as a hermit. During that time he wrote on all branches of knowledge, a work which earned him the title “Enlightened Doctor.” Raymond then made many trips through Europe to interest popes, kings, and princes in establishing special colleges to prepare future missionaries. He achieved his goal in 1311, when the Council of Vienne ordered the creation of chairs of Hebrew, Arabic, and Chaldean at the universities of Bologna, Oxford, Paris, and Salamanca. At the age of 79, Raymond went to North Africa in 1314 to be a missionary himself. An angry crowd of Muslims stoned him in the city of Bougie. Genoese merchants took him back to Mallorca, where he died. Raymond was beatified in 1514 and his liturgical feast is celebrated on June 30. Reflection Raymond worked most of his life to help spread the gospel. Indifference on the part of some Christian leaders and opposition in North Africa did not turn him from his goal. Three hundred years later Raymond’s work began to have an influence in the Americas. When the Spanish began to spread the gospel in the New World, they set up missionary colleges to aid the work. Saint Junípero Serra belonged to such a college.
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Prayer Is Born from Love What causes this dryness in our prayer? Some may relate it to a period of grief after a loved one dies suddenly or too young, while others may look to a period following a job loss or unexpected move. Having a mental illness like depression may make prayer difficult. For many of us, these periods just happen. It is important to remember you are still praying, even though you may not feel peace and comfort. Putting the effort in prayer is a sacrifice we make and God accepts it. Prayer is a relationship with God. Relationships take time and are based on love. In our friendships and marriages there are times when we hear “I love you.” There are also times when the love is there, but more silent to our expectations. The same is true in our relationship with God. —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “When Your Prayers Feel Empty“
by Laura Stanko Britto |
Freeing Ourselves From Hurt Reflect When we are hurt by someone, it’s not easy to let that pain go. Forgiveness seems like too big a step to take. But by letting go of the hurt, we are actually freeing ourselves to heal from the hurt. Pray Dear God,
give me the strength
to release my hurt and anger
and have the courage
to travel the path
to forgiveness.
I know it won’t be
an easy path
so I ask you
to walk by my side.
Amen. Act Offer the gift of forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. If you’re not able to do so in person, do so in your heart. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Susan Hines-Brigger. Learn more here! |
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