PRAYER AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD

On weekdays, I usually read the Scripture passages assigned for the day in the Lectionary and pray the morning, noon, twilight, or evening prayers in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. Some days, I am distracted nearly the entire time, at times to the point that right in the middle of the prayer time, I think of something I must jump up and do right this minute.  At Sunday services, it's the same, except I don't jump up and leave, but I stay and mouth the words of the prayers with thoughts mostly wandering elsewhere.  Most days are better, days when I'm middlingly focused, wavering between attentiveness and distraction.  Of course, I believe God is always present, but oftentimes I am not fully present with God. 

Ah, but some days are different and quite special, for prayer is easy because I am enfolded in and filled with God's loving and powerful presence in a way that is close to tangible.  If I'm at home, the best response is to continue with the prayers and then remain silent with God.  The felt presence of God is a wonder and a joy, but, in the end, the experience is ineffable, beyond description.  And, at least for me, it is something not to be too much looked for or ever to be counted on.  Nor is it merited by my doing good or avoiding evil, but is rather all gift, all grace.  And who knows, perhaps only God, but that perseverance in prayer in the face of great distraction is more efficacious than prayer that flows easily.

Last Sunday, the felt presence of God happened during the Eucharistic service, and it was quite lovely.  Thanks be to God.

Image from Wikipedia.