Talk to Me

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Talk to Me

The young bride whispered into her husband’s ear, “Talk to Me,” only to receive a response of, “What do you want to talk about?”  Exasperated she would begin to talk constantly to him, regardless of the fact that he barely listened to her ramblings. Over the years she grew to understand that her man, the one she dearly loved, was not a talkative communicator, but rather a “get to the point” or “what is the bottom line” type guy. She grudgingly adapted to his style of communicating; relatively short, precise conversations, punctuated with a minimum of details. It was such a challenge for her that, on some occasions, she would demand her loved one to “sit down and listen to all the gory details.” He would dutifully obey this command….just as long as it was rather infrequent. The two lovers learned to effectively converse in several different ways – it may be a look across the room which shouts, “I love you” or a light touch of approval on the shoulder that transferred a feeling only the two them felt and understood.  Over the years of dating and then marriage, the couple developed a style of communication and love that fit both of their personalities and requirements.

Human conversations and other types of communication lead to a deeper understanding of others. Fortunately, the gift of communication is not limited to humans. God invites us to frequently commune with Him. The saints have advised us to “pray always.” Prayer is man’s communication vehicle with God. As important as is his communication with fellow humans, man must emphasize and use his essential communication links with God. These links, especially prayer, are of paramount importance and are not to be ignored. “He who fails to pray does not cheat God. He cheats himself” is a mantra of many saints.

Let us make note of that which is not prayer. “Genuine prayer is never “good works,” an exercise, or pious attitude, but it is always the prayer of a child to a Father.” Good works are just that – good works and are an essential part of living a Christian life. However, they are not prayers.

St. Therese of Lisieux described prayer as “simply a raising of the heart towards Heaven, an expression of love and gratitude in the midst of trial, as well as in times of joy; in a word, it is something noble and supernatural expanding my soul and uniting to God.”  The Catholic Catechism states that “the life of prayer is the habit of being in the presence of the thrice-holy God and in communion with him.” Simply stated, prayer is the heart of man meeting God.

Is prayer really necessary or important? Absolutely, “As breath is to the body, prayer is to the soul.”  Jesus often prayed and for extended periods of time. Mary the Mother of God advises us to pray frequently. Then one may ask, “How does one pray best to God?” Another way to pose this question is, “What are the components of prayer”? Prayer has several components including the following.

  • Firstly, an open and loving heart. No self- righteousness or disdain for others is compatible with prayers to God. Open the prayer with a request for forgiveness of all one’s sins, thus helping to remove barriers between you and God.
  • Secondly, quietness (silence) within the mind and heart, free from external thoughts and concerns. Make your prayer truly a personal and intimate encounter with God. Keep in mind that you are conversing with the author of love.
  • Thirdly, be in a conversational mode, listen to God. A conversation is a two way experience. Do not prattle on and on without taking time to listen to God. He will answer your prayer, but will you listen for it?

Remember the anticipation, the beating of the heart with joyful expectation, which you experienced as you waited to see and talk with your loved one.  Then take time to consider the love and joy one can receive from a conversation with the author of all love. Oh wow, think about it; the all-consuming Love is available to each one of us! Enjoy a conversation with God; talk with Him. Pray always….Always!

Suggested reading:

“The Story of A Soul” by St. Therese of Lisieux, TAN Books and Publishing

“The Rosary” by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. , Ignatius Press

http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/  An extensive list of prayers.

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/   More discussion about prayers

 

 

 

 

The Gift

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THE GIFT

As she entered her home, she excitedly exclaimed in a loud shriek, “Wow! What has happened?” Gazing at the renovated kitchen and dining room, her mouth was wide open in joyous disbelief and astonishment, while her eyes took in the entire site with a stunned, uncomprehending look. She shouted to her husband who was trailing behind, “What happened during our weekend at Mom’s house?” Still not comprehending what had occurred during their time away from the home, she joyfully wandered through the home, examining the new floor, the beautiful modern appliances, the renovated sink, the new lightening, and lastly the attractive new dining room table and chairs. Her joy at what she was seeing was only exceeded by her desire to understand how all of this occurred in one weekend. She turned to her husband and with a look that cried for an explanation, all the time asking with her eyes, “talk to me, tell me what this is all about.” His reply was short and direct, “I love you. It is my gift to you.”  He needed to say no more. Those words were worth as much or more than the gift itself.

Love is such a powerful emotion, begetting all sorts of gifts and actions. The husband knew his wife had been struggling for years to provide meals for the family in an antiquated kitchen with limited space and appliances. However, she did the best she could. Now that he began to experience financial success in his business, he wanted to repay her for all her efforts and love. Her joy with her new facilities was exceeded only by his joy in seeing her so happy. They both had been giving the gifts of themselves to each other…. and to their children.

Gifts come in many different forms; a word of praise, a look of appreciation, a college fund for the children, a helping hand to a stranger, or just being there for a sick friend. Almost always the gifts are initiated by a strong love and concern for another. Love always is concerned about someone or something outside of one’s self. Love is not material, but rather spiritual.

Since love is the greatest gift one can give to another, what is the most significant gift of love known to man? Simple. It is God’s gift of Himself to mankind! Think about….God the Almighty, personal, all-knowing, eternal, loving One loves us. He knows each one of us by name and cares for us individually. He has offered to unite us with Himself in the next life, the eternal happiness of love. However, He did not stop with just an offer of eternal happiness; he wiped clean all of our iniquities by sending His son as payment for the debt we owe Him. Through Jesus He made us co-heirs to heaven, Paradise. Not stopping there, He continued his loving help by creating His church as our teacher and guide. He showered us with the gifts of His Sacraments, particularly in Confession and the Eucharist. He did not limit us to specific resources; He is always available for private talks through individual prayer….at any time. The gifts keep coming. He loves us.

How will we attain God’s great gift of love, that is unity with Him? Simple, follow His example of love, follow Jesus Christ and the teacher Christ gave us, His Church. (But please no compromises, be passionate for Him, lukewarm will not do it.)