Pray-er (n): address to God; something wished for
What is prayer? For each person, prayer means something different, something far more descriptive than a dictionary definition. For some, it is the utterance of crafted liturgy, for others silent meditation or verbal banter. There are categories of prayer: thanksgiving, supplication, etc. Some have even crafted formulas and templates for it. But though it varies in shape, size, color, and font for everyone, for the Christ seeker, it unanimously aims at rest, peace, and assurance through a connection with God. Through prayer, one dives into the depths of self and discovers the one true sustaining love: God. Mother Teresa exemplified prayer-ful living, and recently I have become fascinated by her story. Though known for her contributions to the least of these, she was a bright contemplative, fueled by a deep connection with God through prayer. Mother Teresa believed that life without prayer was impossible, and prayer without silence equally so. I'll let her words speak for themselves.
"Be sincere in your prayers. Sincerity is humility, and you acquire humility only by accepting humiliations....and you will get humiliation all through your life. The greatest humiliation is to know that you are nothing. This you come to know when you face God in prayer."
"This is what we have to learn right from the beginning: to listen to the voice of God in our heart, and then in the silence of the heart God speaks. Then from the fullness of our hearts, our mouth will have to speak."
"What is essential is not what we say but what God tells us and what He tells others through us."
"This is prayer, that you turn your mind and heart to God."
-Mother Teresa from No Greater Love
Well said, and I agree with what you said and with Mother Teresa. She was a very wise and spiritual woman.
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