Prayer: An Invitation to Be Loved and Nurtured

23Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about;
24See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong--
then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Psalm 139:23-24 (The Message)

"Much of our praying is asking because there is so much that we think we need. Some of our praying is frantic because we are in difficult circumstances. Sometimes our praying is manipulative becuase we assume that we know better than God what we need and what must take place.

But prayer is meant to be something quite different. It is an invitation to come home, to be loved, nurtured and refreshed. Nouwen puts it this way: "Praying ... demands a relationship in which you allow the other to speak there, allow him to touch the sensitive core of your being, and allow him to see so much that you would rather leave in darkness."

Prayer is thus the call to intimacy with the God of the universe, who is our Father in Christ Jesus. Prayer is listening to what He would whisper to us. Prayer is being renewed by His loving presence. Prayer is being exposed, embraced, and healed by Him who alone knows what is best for us."

Reflection 4, Dare to Journey with Henri Nouwen, Charles Ringma.