The journey to deepen one’s faith and relationship with God often leads to questions about the power of prayer. As devout Catholics, we look for guidance from Holy Scriptures and Sacred Traditions, and who better to help us understand the essence of prayer than the Mother of God herself, the Virgin Mary. The example of Mary in the Bible and various Marian apparitions provide valuable insights into making our prayers more efficacious—that is, having our prayers answered swiftly and powerfully.
A Heart Open to God’s Will
The first lesson we can learn from Mary comes from the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive Jesus, the Son of God. Mary’s response, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), reveals her openness to God’s will.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), it says, “Mary’s prayer is revealed to us at the dawning of the fullness of time. Before the incarnation of the Son of God, and before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, her prayer cooperates in a unique way with the Father’s plan of loving kindness” (CCC 2617).
Having a heart open to God’s will is essential in making our prayers effective. If we are praying with an agenda or a specific outcome in mind, we may be missing the point of prayer, which is first and foremost a communication with God. God knows what we need before we even ask, and having an open heart like Mary allows us to receive blessings that align with God’s perfect plan for us.
Humility and Simplicity in Prayer
Mary also teaches us the importance of humility and simplicity in prayer. Her hymn of praise, the Magnificat, demonstrates this beautifully. In it, she says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden” (Luke 1:46-48). Mary does not boast of her unique position but turns her praise and glory towards God.
The CCC teaches, “The prayer of the Virgin Mary is always heard by her Son and he passes it on to his Father all the more so because he reads in it only the glory of his Father” (CCC 2618).
When we approach God with a humble heart and express our needs simply, not trying to impress God or others with fancy words, our prayers are more likely to be effective.
Intercession Through Mary
One of the most powerful ways to get your prayers answered is to ask for Mary’s intercession. In the Wedding at Cana, when the wine ran out, Mary brought the need to Jesus with the simple words, “They have no wine” (John 2:3). Jesus responded by performing his first miracle.
The Church believes that Mary’s intercession is incredibly powerful. “Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation” (CCC 969).
Asking Mary to intercede for us means that she takes our prayers to Jesus directly, amplifying their impact and efficacy. You can ask for Mary’s help through various prayers and novenas, most notably the Rosary—a prayer strongly recommended by the Church for all the faithful.
The Power of Faithful Obedience
The Virgin Mary’s life was a shining example of obedience to God’s commandments and precepts. She lived the Law faithfully, not out of obligation but out of a sincere love for God and His people. It is in faithful obedience to God’s laws that our prayers gain potency.
The Bible tells us: “And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him” (1 John 3:22).
The Universality of Mary’s Lessons
The tips discussed here are not mere theological opinions but are grounded in the Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church as found in the CCC. Mary’s lessons on effective prayer—having an open heart, approaching God in humility, seeking her intercession, and remaining obedient to God—are universal and can be applied by anyone looking to deepen their faith and effectiveness in prayer.
Conclusion
The Virgin Mary, Mother of God, offers us powerful lessons on how to get our prayers answered. By aligning our will with God’s, approaching Him with humility, seeking Mary’s intercession, and obeying His commandments, we set ourselves on a path to a more effective and fulfilling prayer life. These aren’t just “tips,” but life-changing principles that draw us closer to God and help us grow in holiness. So, as we continue to pray and seek God’s guidance, let us keep in mind Mary’s enduring example and invite her into our journey of faith. After all, if Mary, who is closer to Jesus than anyone else, lived her life in such a way as to be an enduring beacon for all Christians, we can certainly learn much from her.