“A lot of trouble about the prayer would disappear if we only realized that we go to pray not because we love prayer but because we love God.”
Von Zeller
“Until you are convinced that prayer is the best use of your time you will never find time for Prayer.”
Hilary Ottensmeyer, OSB
This statement intrigued and challenged me the first time I read it. After some serious reflection, I was reminded of a quote that I had read years ago:
“It takes time wasted in prayer. There is no other way to know Christ.”
Von Breman, S.J.
When people approach me and ask to engage in spiritual direction, I always ask what has moves you to want to begin spiritual direction. The response I receive, most of the time is concern about their prayer life. I believe that all of us at times question ourselves about our commitment to our prayer life and our relationship with God.
We read in the book of Genesis that God asked Adam and Eve “where are you?”. Our Jubilee year could provide each of us with the opportunity to reflect on that question as it relates to our life of prayer “Where are you?”
Prayer is a way of life, not something limited to certain times and places. Our relationship with God is summed up in our growth in prayer. there are many forms of prayers. Each one has to discover the form of prayer that is most helpful realizing that what is most helpful can and does change at different times in one’s life.
Questions for Reflection
“I think we all have both deep desire to pray and a deep resistance against it.”
Henri Nouwen
Does the statement ring true in your personal experience?
When was the last time that God inspired, startled or challenged you during your prayer?
By Sr. Helen Ann Collier.
Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash.
