Francis's safe haven was prayer, not prayer of a few minutes, or empty, presumptuous prayer, but prolonged prayer, full of devotion and the serenity of humility. If he began late, it would be dawn before he finished. Whether walking, sitting, eating or drinking, he was rapt in prayer. At night he would retire alone to pray in abandoned, neglected churches. That was how, by God's grace, he overcame many fears and anxieties.
Celano - First Life, 71
That last sentence says it all.
ReplyDeleteYes, Barb, and how often we fall short in our prayer. Sister Briege McKenna sure has some great tips on how to pray also!
ReplyDelete