As we continue our Decade of Mission 2026 on our journey toward Pentecost, today we reflect on the prayer that brings true and lasting joy into marriage and family life.
In today’s Gospel, Christ says:
“Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you” (John 16:24).
Today’s reflection is offered by Fr. Andriy Chornenkyi,
who reminds us that Christian prayer is not simply asking God to fulfill our wishes, but learning to seek and trust His will in our lives.
To pray “in Jesus’ name” means much more than simply saying certain words. It means asking with faith, humility, and openness to God’s plan. As we pray each day in the “Our Father”:
“Thy will be done.”
God does not always give us everything we want, but He always gives us what leads to salvation, peace, and true life.
Christ promises not only answers to prayer, but a deeper joy — a joy that does not disappear in difficulties or depend on changing circumstances. It is the joy that comes from living close to God.
This truth is especially important for marriage and family life.
Very often prayer in the family becomes only a list of needs and worries:
• health,
• finances,
• problems,
• fears for children or the future.
God invites us to bring all these things to Him. But Christ also calls families to pray together in a deeper way:
“Lord, what do You desire for our family?”
When husband and wife begin seeking God’s will together, something beautiful happens:
• peace grows,
• unity deepens,
• forgiveness becomes easier,
• and love becomes stronger than pride.
God’s plan for the family is revealed in simple but powerful ways:
• to forgive even when it is difficult,
• to listen before speaking,
• to choose love over being right,
• and to seek God’s way instead of only our own.
When families pray for these things, Christ’s promise is fulfilled:
“You will receive.”
Perhaps not always what we expected, but exactly what we truly need — peace, perseverance, unity, and complete joy.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski continues to encourage all faithful of our Eparchy to deepen family prayer during these Mission Days and to open their hearts to God’s will through trust, faith, and unity.
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Thursday, May 21
“The prayer that brings complete joy into the family”
John 16:23–33
Reflection by Fr. Andriy Chornenkyi
📺 Please find today’s video reflection below:
https://youtu.be/nw2Py9jFbwE
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Missionary Tasks for Today:
- Personal level:
During prayer today, try to speak less and listen more to God, trusting Him not only with your requests but also with guiding your life. - Parish level:
Reflect on how your parish can become a place where families learn to discover God’s will together. - Mission level:
Give witness of living faith through peace in your family, forgiveness, mutual support, and trust in God even during difficulties.
May Christ teach our families how to pray with faith and trust.
May our homes be filled with peace, unity, and lasting joy.
And may the Holy Spirit guide every family to seek God’s will above all else.