Ave Maria Meditations
“When you pray….”
Another reason for our presenting ourselves before God is to speak to Him, and to hear Him speak to us by Hs inspirations and the interior movements of His grace. And one of these two benefits can never fail us in prayer. If we can speak to our Lord, let us speak, let us praise Him, let us listen to Him; if we cannot speak to Him because we are hoarse, let us stay nevertheless in His presence and do Him reverence. He will see us there; He will be pleased with our patience; and He will look with favor on our loving silence.
Another time we may be quite amazed and overwhelmed when He takes us by the hand, and converses with us, and makes with us a hundred turns in the fragrant walks of His sweet garden of prayer; but even if He never does this, let us be content that it is our duty to be among His followers, and that it is a great favor and a greater honor that He allows us to be in His presence. In this manner, we shall not be in a hurry to speak to Him, since the other way of being near Him is not less useful for us although it may be a little less agreeable to our taste.
Whenever, then, you come near our Lord, speak to Him if you can. If you cannot, remain there, let Him see you, and do not trouble yourself about anything else.
+ Fr. Jean-Nicolas, SJ
