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Skriven 2005-02-01 16:44:24 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45.1)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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              The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                        Vatican Information Service.
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                               VIS-Press releases

PRAYER HELPS US TO REDISCOVER THE LOVING FACE OF GOD

VATICAN CITY, JAN 26, 2005 (VIS) - In today's general audience, which was held
in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope spoke on Psalm 114, and the subject of
"thanksgiving."

The psalmist, John Paul II affirmed, "expresses loving recognition to the Lord,
after his intense supplications were answered: 'I love the Lord because He has
heard my voice and my supplications. Because He inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.' This declaration of love is
immediately followed by a vivid description of the mortal danger that had been
menacing the psalmist's life."

"From that tragic abyss," continued the Pope, "a cry arose towards the only One
who can extend a hand and lift the anguished psalmist from that inextricable
turmoil: 'O Lord. I beseech you, save my life!'"

"The call for help addressed to the Lord that we have just heard in the psalm,"
said the Holy Father, "reminds us of the great value of prayer. The believer
clings to the Lord as his only hope of salvation and expresses his grateful
love for the protection he receives."

The Holy Father highlighted the fact that "authentic faith always sees God as
love, even if at times we find it difficult to understand His actions fully. It
always remains certain that 'the Lord preserves the simple', and so in misery
and solitude you can always rely upon Him."

"Prayer helps us to rediscover the loving face of God. He never abandons his
people but guarantees that, notwithstanding trials and suffering, good triumphs
in the end."
AG/PSALM 114/... VIS 050126 (280)

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