May 18, 2023
“This is the highest state of prayer: to be children in God’s arms, silent, loving.”
– Carlo Carretto
In your grief, you may try to pray, but find it impossible. Our traditional devotions seem hollow when we are suffering the intense heartbreak of grief. We may be angry with God. We may be desperate for God to lessen our pain. We may plead with God for answers.
The way you prayed in the past may offer little consolation and seem empty. If you try to pray the rosary, the words may have no meaning. The Psalms may offer some relief because they were written by a man, who understood despair and pleaded for God to help him.
It’s important to remember that prayer is a conversation with God, and that’s exactly what you need in your darkest hour because you need Someone to talk to. Have no doubt, God is a great listener, an infinitely patient listener, and a compassionate conversationalist who is willing to let you do all the talking. That doesn’t mean God won’t answer you. But he often answers in the silence of your heart with words that transcend our earthly speech.
Sit in silence in front of the Tabernacle and pour out your pain. It’s not even necessary to use words because God knows and understands your suffering even without your telling him.
Always remember the words of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
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Jesus meant what he said. And he keeps his promises.