Souls who do not practice prayer are like people whose limbs are paralyzed.
— St. Teresa of Avila
In the last three days, in three different situations with three different people, I asked each if they prayed, or at least prayed often. I have much love and respect for each of these persons. I am not exactly sure why I asked the question. Something moved me to ask. The response in two of them was misty eyes and tears. The third was already in tears.
The question obviously touched a raw nerve. I suspect that each of them may have ran across a stretch of particularly bumpy road, and in the busyness of daily life, had forgotten to talk with the one Friend that could truly help and sustain them. Or maybe they missed that connection or closeness with God that only prayer seems to bring.
In any case, we all forget. We all fall down. He forgives us everytime, even if it seems that we cannot forgive ourselves. All we have to do is honestly ask for forgiveness. He is always there for us. He is Love, Peace, and Energy.
Pray. Pray often.
(As any comedian will tell you, timing is everything. I discovered the above quote this morning as I began reading The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila (translated by Mirabai Starr). Thanks Steve for the recommendation.)