Jonah sits beneath a withering plant, angry because he knew that God had shown mercy to Nineveh. He had hoped for judgment, but God chose compassion. In this moment, Jonah's desires clash with God's heart. Yet even in Jonah's frustration, God does not abandon him. He engages him, teaches him, and gently reveals that His mercy is not limited- it is attentive, expansive, and always seeking to save.

In wanting to imbibe Jesus at prayer, the disciples ask Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray." And Jesus responds with a prayer that is both intimate and bold. From acknowledging God's holy name to "Give us each day our daily bread ... Your kingdom come." This prayer does not ignore our human needs-it embraces them. But it also reorders them. It teaches us to desire what God desires: daily sustenance, forgiveness, protection, and above all, the coming of His kingdom.

God is not indifferent to our longings. He listens. He responds. But He also invites us to grow-to let our desires be shaped by His Will. In praying, we do not twist God's arm; we open our hearts. We learn to want what brings life, what builds communion, what reflects His mercy.

Prayer invites us trust that God sees us-not just our actions, but our intentions. Whenever we bring our desires to Him, we are to be transformed.