4. The expectation and desire

To immerse ouselves  in authentic prayer first of all we need to have  that  preliminary approach, a ‘sine qua non’( a latin expression  that translated literally means: a condition without which not = a condition without which “it” could not be.)..:  to stand in front of God ‘defenseless’, without protection, without thoughts or own desires . To pray is to remain before God without preconceived ideas or plans, or expectations. If we simply stay  in Him with our whole selves He may take possession of us. This is His greatest desire, but must  be also ours.

Desiring this is already a prayer and if you wish God to take possession of you, then you’re already praying.

And ‘the attitude of the farmer when the holy Curé of Ars asked what  was he doing sitting alone in church before the tabernacle:’ I look at Him and He looks at me, ‘was the reply.

This simple look is the gift of God to remain in prayer. It ‘a desire of loving conversation with our Lord, to hear the voice of the bridegroom who comes in solitude and recollection of spirit. In this ‘immersion’ can also be useful the recitation of frequent ejaculations. Prayer does not need words, because it is love, it is the desire of Him, is to remain in Him, in inner calm. So when you are about to pray, we need a few minutes to put ourselves in an attitude of inner peace, of  silence essential to realized a real  communion with God.

This expectation is not simple passivity, but is full of desire for the object loved, fire union with Him St. Ambrose in his treatise on virginity consecrated souls shows a sure way to get in touch with the Bridegroom.

‘‘Closed in your room do not cease to hold tight  the thought of Christ, even at night. In fact, remain at all times waiting for his visit. That’s what He desires from you the reason you have been chosen . He will enter if the door will be open for him.Do not doubt, has promised to come and He will keep His word. When will come the One you have been looking for, hug and  familiarize yourself with Him and be enlightened. Hold Him , pray that He wouldnt go  away, and do not let Him stay away from you…. What are the means to hold Christ ? Not with the violence of the chains, not the narrow ropes, but the bonds of love, the bonds of the spirit. We keep Him with the  love of the soul.’

Is the ardor of the bride of the Song, who is not afraid to look  for Him constantly defying danger and suffering, because she doesnt  desires anything else then to lead Him into the innermost sanctuary of his being .

A soul in love  becomes a challenge for many, while a  lukewarm soul is not the best invitation to love God (continued)

Laila Lucci,

Bible Teacher  and professor of Hebrew Bible and S. Writing at the ISSR Rimini is the author of several essays and books,  among whic are included:  Witnesses of the Risen.

Paths of Lucan pneumatology, Pazzini, Verucchio (RN) 2007

Commentary to exegetical-theological “Wisdom Books” in The Bible VVV, S. Paul, Cinisello Balsamo 2009;

Introduction, translation and commentary on Joel, S. Paul (NVAT), Alba 2011;

Introduction, translation and commentary on Amos, S. Paul (NVAT), Alba 2012