Prayer means yearning for the simple presence of God, for a personal understanding of his word, ​for knowledge of his will and for capacity to hear and obey him. Thomas Merton, 'Contemplative Prayer'
Prayer is the awareness of the great loving powerful presence of God, and drawing all that we know into it.
There are different experiences of prayer. They are as unique as the individuals who live them, and it follows that if prayer is to nourish and sustain us, it cannot be imposed. Rather, prayer has to be desired, longed for and then, experienced. It is both a gift, and a lifelong adventure, requiring quality time, humility, and perseverance – like any loving relationship.
Trevor Miller, http://www.northumbriacommunity.org
“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.”
― Mother Teresa
Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, Unuttered or expressed;
The motion of a hidden fire That trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The falling of a tear
The upward glancing of an eye, When none but God is near.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try;
Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on high.
Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, The Christian’s native air,
His watchword at the gates of death; He enters Heav’n with prayer.
Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice, Returning from his ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice And cry, “Behold, he prays!”
O Thou by Whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way,
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod: Lord, teach us how to pray.
James Montgomery