August 12, 2026 // Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time // Optional Memorial of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

Reflect on the Word // 

“18:19!” The text message—and others like it—lit up my phone. 

Our staff had adopted this shorthand as an agreement in prayer inspired by today’s Gospel reading from Matthew chapter 18: “Amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” 

We held a weekly 18:19 virtual prayer meeting to share intentions and agree for whatever was needed, from Catholic school tuition (covered by a scholarship that very day) to a sibling trying to conceive (she had twins) to friends in need of a car (they were gifted one for free). 

But after months of intercession and subsequent miracles, I found that my prayers often went unanswered. Despite everyone’s agreement, I was still empty handed.

How do we make sense of disappointment? Admittedly, I’m still learning. But as I examined my heart over those weeks, the Lord began to show me that, actually, I didn’t agree—with Him. 

You see, prayer isn’t magic. It’s not about saying the right words or finishing the right novena or doing literally anything “right” to earn your desired outcome. Jesus tells us the true end of our agreement just one verse later when He promises that, “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). He promises us Himself. He is what we most need.

Matthew 18:19 isn’t about getting what we want; it’s about coming into agreement with Who He is. To believe in His Heart for the deepest desires of ours, His provision in our most pressing needs, and His presence to fill every moment of our lives, even as we wait. 

And as we wait for His most loving response to our own tuition/baby/car petition, let us confidently agree that the Father always hears our prayers and Jesus is always with us. 

You can count on it.

Relate to the Lord // Who can you agree with in prayer today? Call or text her to pray together.