An appointment

Prayer is only possible if you made a specific appointment with God : with all our being, mind and heart. We are here with Him and only for Him, whether for two minutes or half-an-hour.

These two minutes will gradually transform my heart to that of a son or daughter, and it will remain as such in my actions and relationships. Thus, one does not only pray to request something (which would be normal for a son or daughter) but to evolve from the need for God to the desire for God : I love you ; I want to love you more.

Prayer helps us to acknowledge God as our God and to live in intimacy with Him so as to never drift away from Him, so to remain filled by Him, who is Love. Prayer is so very closely linked to love.

I am here and You are here.

At the beginning of prayer, I can take a moment to become aware of myself and of God. “I am here and You are there”. The very fact of saying “I am here” will get me involved and take me to the depths of my heart where I can be one with God. To be really there means opening up, at least for a few minutes, to God, and to truly welcome Him.

I can then, of course, bring anything to His attention : myself, my life, my loved ones and the ones I strive to love. But all of this will only be prayer if I am present in his Presence.

From Priere : Pourquoi Prier (Prayer : why pray ?) 1998, Editions de l'Emmanuel