The sincerest prayer of a man, even though he was claimed to be an unbeliever and the gentile, satisfied God to the extent that His angel was sent to him with the message that God was pleased with him. Book of Acts has recorded this beautiful episode to encourage everyone to disregard the background, creed or community, but to consider the importance of prayer that unites anyone with God. “There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman army regiment called ‘The Italian Regiment.’ He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God. It was about three o'clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, ‘Cornelius!’ He stared at the angel in fear and said, ‘What is it, sir?’ The angel answered, ‘God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you.’” (Acts 10:1-4). May we have the fervent desire to pray and please God, that He may bless us abundantly.

Abba, thank You for setting the example of Cornelius’ prayer that pleased You. Let Your Spirit enable us to pray sincerely that we may please You. In Jesus’ Most Powerful Name, Amen.