The recollection of prayer is different from every other kind of attention or reflection. The man who reflects is cutting himself off and conversing with himself; the man who prays is entering into communication with a power and a love which are outside himself. Whether our prayer be addressed to Christ, the Blessed Virgin, or the Saints; whether we consider the Trinity reigning in our souls or in heaven, the recollection of prayer must necessarily introduce us to the divine presence. The mystery of God embraces our life; prayer is the confronting of the inner conscience of man with the majesty, the countenance, the love of this God. When Saint Benedict speaks to us of prayer it is on this coming into the divine presence that he insists: “Let us consider what should be our attitude of soul in the divine presence”. And again: “When we present our request to powerful men we do so with respect and humility; how much more necessary is it that we should make our supplications to the Lord God of the Universe with all humility and purity of devotion!” (Rule, chapters 20 & 19).
DOM IDESBALD RYELANDT, OSB Union With Christ
