Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
(John 8:31-32)
The Jews will protest that they were never slaves, though we know they were exiled and oppressed throughout history. But you, my Lord, are talking about slaver sin, and all of us have experienced that. Only your truth can free us of our addictions and idolatry. Indeed, if we love anyone or anything more than you, we are worshipping false gods. How can we escape, then? Your Word will deliver us.
I am not wealthy. My apartment is small. Still, when I look around, I see so many possessions, furnishings, and decorations. With how many of them am I willing to part? How much time do I spend watching television, using my computer, enjoying the coziness and maybe even the clutter? How can I free myself when these things clamor for my attention?
In the morning, when I am rested, it is easier to focus on you, Lord. As I tire, I lose my awareness and motivation. How can I persevere in prayer?
It is night now, and the television is off, though I admit I am taping something to watch later. It has been a busy day and I still have one more chore, but, for now, I am quiet. I see only the words I write, hear only the clock ticking. My stomach is comfortably full, my body supported and relaxed. I can forget about time. My mind, which so often races, is ready to listen. I want to cling to this calm.
In order to prepare for this peace, I had to first pay bills, make phone calls, cook and clean and put things away. It seems sometimes that the more I pray, the more time I have to work, and the more work I accomplish the more disposed I am to pray. Please show me how to pray always, to be conscious of you in everything I do. Thank you for this solitude. Draw me to you.
I treasure my time alone with you and I will use even my weakness to provide it. If I am too tired to do anything else, let that be a blessing, but help me to remember how vital prayer is and schedule it regularly.