Our passage today from the Acts recounts for us the conversion of St Paul, one of the most important events in the life of the early Church. In the midst of this account we read of a disciple, Ananias, at prayer. From our reading of the way in which Ananias prayed, we can learn about prayer in our own lives. The prayer of Ananias is a conversation, a dialogue with God. There is a true warmth and friendship between Ananias and God. So much so that Ananias feels free to question God about what he asks of him. He tells God of his worries and anxieties. For all Christians prayer ought to be this friendship with God, this openness to talk freely with God. A willingness to share our fears, hopes and joys with our loving God ought to characterise all Christian lives. Prayer is an entering into a true relationship with God, in which neither partner is destroyed.

But when we don't appreciate the friendship that God gives us then we begin to doubt even God. It is about this we read in the gospel. 'How can this man give us his flesh to eat?' Often we stop God from helping us. We doubt His ability to be of any assistance to us. Jesus demands of His followers that they be childlike, trusting always in the Father's goodness. 'If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him' (Mt. 7:11). Let us not doubt God's ability to help us in all our troubles and difficulties.