Reflecting on my Lenten discipline, I’ve noticed that I am avoiding prayer as if it were dark and unfamiliar room. I spend a cursory amount of time in and with prayer. I join in all the traditional church services and rituals. I talk about the value of and need for prayer and yet, it seems there is something I’m missing.
Perhaps Mohandas Gandhi’s reflection on prayer will pull me out of this rut. He said, “I am certain that prayer does us a world of good. You will realize its value in times of trouble and even from day to day if you offer it thoughtfully. Prayer is food for the soul. As the body languishes for want of nourishment, even so does the soul wither away without her appropriate food.”
I’ll pray today for the determination to enter a deeper prayer life.
“A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” (Ps 51:19b)