June 9, 2026
St. Ephrem
Praying on the Dry Days
There is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug.
1 Kings 17:12

There are times when the words of this poor widow might especially resonate with us. An unrelenting drought had dried up even the small brook where she could usually find water. Rainless days had drastically reduced her access to food. She was on the edge of starvation along with her son. Then the prophet Elijah asked to share her bread. When she gave voice to her desperate circumstances, Elijah responded with the words God’s messengers often speak: “Do not be afraid” (v. 17).

At times, we may find ourselves in a spiritual “drought.” Moments spent in prayer may seem dry and unproductive. The usual spiritual resources that nourished us in the past may seem to no longer serve us. Worst of all, God may seem silent. At such times, may we keep showing up for prayer and take comfort in Elijah’s words, “Do not be afraid.”

Loving God, sustain me when I am in a desert.

- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.

1 Kings 17:7-16 ✚ Psalm 4:2-5, 7-8 ✚ Matthew 5:13-16
Bread concept, a bun dough, a petite wooden spatula, a rolling pin, organized ondark wooden table. Image by Pichsakul | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Larry S
June 9, 2026 at 11:36 AM

Can't remember where I got this: Jesus, help me see the gifts in my limitations and know how I can serve you!

freeter
June 9, 2026 at 10:31 AM

Amen.

Debbie H
June 9, 2026 at 10:14 AM

Amen. Such thought provoking comments today.

ADV
June 9, 2026 at 09:42 AM

AMEN!

CBR
June 9, 2026 at 09:25 AM

Lord guide me on the path I am heading but not my will but yours be done for me in Jesus name I pray Amen Amen Amen

Stormi
June 9, 2026 at 09:06 AM

Sr. Chris may our doughts be few and our faith overflowing. Thank you for your words to start my day in these weary times. They encourage me. Cheryl thank you for your prayers, Vicky G. ah you are in my prayers and lets keep praying for a more heavenly earth. To relieve the drought and flow more evenly in this world. Ken, we miss you and pray for all you to be safe and healthy. For all those who don't comment or the ones we haven't heard from lately, Rusty, Cheri, Janet, Miguel and all others prayers. CBR, PeggyR, Pam...
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Vicky G
June 9, 2026 at 08:42 AM

I too have had Ken in my prayers a bit more these last 2 weeks Bill, when we don’t hear…..And Stormi I’m in the middle of a Bible study by Kristi McLelland —Jesus and Women. One of her lines is Jesus didn’t come to turn things upside down but He came to set things right side up. Maybe your world is being upended in the “right side up” way. Prayers for you and your friend and your family to weather this hard time growing closer to Him through it. There are days Patrick when life happens so fast that we...
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Gary
June 9, 2026 at 08:11 AM

I walk with you today Jesus. Please guide me on my path. Amen!

Salina (not in control)
June 9, 2026 at 06:28 AM

******* In my dry days when I am too sad or overwhelmed to pray, the Holy Spirit steps in and prays for me to sustain my faith by the power of His Word in Scripture ✝️ *** The Holy Spirit prays for us when we feel hopeless in Romans 8:22-27, “We know that all that God created has been groaning. It is in pain as if it were giving birth to a child. The created world continues to groan even now. And that’s not all. We have the Holy Spirit as the promise of future blessing. But we also groan...
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Bill L
June 9, 2026 at 03:29 AM

Been thinking of Ken these last few days. Hope all is well. And as per Ken; Please pray for those who have no one to pray for them and all the souls in Purgatory.

Lia
June 9, 2026 at 02:37 AM

Amen.

Patrick
June 9, 2026 at 02:30 AM

There are times when for no obvious reason I don’t feel like praying, reading scripture or being still in Gods presence. —- My emotions get triggered and I just don’t feel up to it. I thank God this doesn’t happen very often. —- I made a commitment long ago to do the right thing no matter how I am feeling. This morning is an example, there is a fair amount of turbulence in my life at present and I am physically tired. But my commitment disciplines me to carry out my early morning God routine, I won’t say that happens...
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Scott
June 9, 2026 at 02:06 PM

Greetings Patrick, this is a late response and I" am with you with what you are going through. Some mornings, I too panic either from oversleeping or from too much on my mind. I am taking the time right now to be in prayer, to center myself on my relationship with the Greater Spiritual Power in my life. I am thankful for your honesty today. Some mornings it is hard to respond to devotions, to meditate, pray and be centered on the One who gives life to all. Waiting upon the Lord is a positive thing, how long do I...
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Stormi
June 9, 2026 at 08:56 AM

Patrick I completely understand your emotions and my prayers are with you. May you ask, seek and knock feeling Gods presence everyday!

Mike
June 9, 2026 at 08:13 AM

Amen

Cheryl
June 9, 2026 at 08:12 AM

Patrick, what I have learnt to do is, as I awake, I sit on my bed, open my arms and ask the Lord to take control of my day, Good and bad, it gets me through...praying for you Stormi through this rough patch... know that the Holy Spirit is always with you

Bill L
June 9, 2026 at 03:23 AM

Patrick, I've often found that God is a good Wait...er. He is very patient with us and knows we'll get back around to Him.

Bread concept, a bun dough, a petite wooden spatula, a rolling pin, organized ondark wooden table. Image by Pichsakul | stock.adobe.com
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