Strive to be people of prayer all the days of your life.

That was the challenge put to local members of the global Apostleship of Prayer movement by Archbishop Edward Gilbert at their annual rally.

The Power of Prayer was the theme of the rally, held last Sunday at the usual venue, the Our Lady of Fatima church, Curepe.

Chief celebrant and homilist was Archbishop Gilbert, with spiritual director Fr Michael Makhan concelebrating.

In his homily, the Archbishop noted that every and anyone could participate in prayer as a ministry, adding that prayer could prove beneficial at an individual level. “As you pray, your attitude towards life changes if you’re praying well. As your attitude changes, your way of looking at things changes,” he said.

Archbishop Gilbert offers the sign of peace to faithful members of the Apostleship of Prayer

Benedict and Madeleine Nivet, longstanding coordinators of the Apostleship of Prayer in Trinidad and Tobago, were honoured at last weekend's rally. Archbishop Gilbert greets Benedict while Madeleine and Raynette Pierre look on. Raymond Syms photos

The Archbishop told the young people in the congregation, many of them of primary school age, that it was important not to be selfish in prayer. “It’s not right,” he remarked, noting that whenever the Church gathered in community, it always remembered to pray for other intentions.

Pray for yourself, your family, your friends, but remember to also pray for the Church, the archdiocese and others, he added.

Archbishop Gilbert said when people offered up their pain, struggles and joys in prayer, it helped deepen their relationship with God.

“We must look at our attitude to prayer and learn the wisdom of God… and we understand that more profoundly as we pray,” he said.

The Archbishop also spoke of the need for quality prayer, warning against not only being distracted during daily prayer but against saying prayers by rote. He explained: “If you are praying properly, there will be growth and understanding and maturity. If you don’t see that, something's wrong.”

He said God chose people of prayer to do heroic things, adding that everyone who was called to service or ministry was a person of prayer. He noted that the saints depended on their daily prayer life to put meaning to their lives, and the same held for the people of today.

Archbishop Gilbert said some people felt empty if they did not pray but many others never reached this point in their prayer life, whether their prayer form was vocal, contemplative or meditative.

He urged all to aim for having a direct relationship with God through prayer, remaining open during prayer time to listen to God. “Sometimes we say too much and don't listen enough. Place yourself in the presence of God and listen to the voice of God. Enter into a dialogue with God,” The Archbishop advised.

He told “apostles” that they would never lack meaning in their life once they remained committed to prayer. he added that while they might not see the results, in god’s time, many who have turned away from god would return through their committed prayers.

Towards the end of Mass, longstanding national coordinator couple, Benedict and Madeleine Nivet, were recognised for their commitment.

Fr Makhan, in a brief address, highlighted the increased turnout of men and young people. Students of the nearby Fatima RC School, led by principal Clothida Dingwall, attended the rally.

She later told Catholic News that this was the school's first time attending the rally, adding that an Apostleship of Prayer group has been started in the school involving infants through senior students.

The morning session began with a report and an address on the theme by rally chairperson Raynette Pierre. Pierre spoke on how, when, where and why to pray and how to trust in God’s will.

Mulan Shim, of Assumption parish, was then formally introduced as the new national co-ordinator, along with other members of the executive.

The rally ended with Benediction, preceded by Holy Hour.  - RS