Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Perhaps you are not able


Perhaps you are not able to pray silently. Many people are poor at this. Here is an easy way to get started. There are several ways in which you can place yourself in God's presence.

Consider how God is present in all things and in all places. Wherever the birds fly, they are constantly in the air; wherever we go, God is always there. Instead of merely assenting to this, it is necessary to make the realization of its truth live for us. Since we can't see God physically present, we need to activate our consciousness. Before praying we need to remind ourselves of God's actual presence. A good way to do this is with Bible verses. If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Remember that God is not only where you are, he is actually in your heart, in the core of your spirit. "For in him we live and move and have our being." ... When you know God is present, your soul will bow down before his majesty and ask for help. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

--
St. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life

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