“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:7-8)

How can we pray without using many words? After years of companionship, two good friends, united in daily life and a shared goal, can communicate deeply without speaking. A gesture or a glance can convey much, for they know when they are of one mind and heart. This is what God calls us to—a deep union with him. His desire for this union is so profound that he became our sustenance in the Eucharist, allowing our minds to unite with his, even if only for a moment, and our hearts to align with his, even if only briefly.

I am not one for pomp and circumstance. When I pray aloud in a gathering, it sets the tone and leads others in our prayer of thanks or petition. But when I am alone, my prayer is to seek connection, to acknowledge His presence. I remember from Mass that it is said, “Let us lift our hearts to the Lord,” so I attempt that by closing my eyes and saying, “You know my heart.” Even then, I feel that those words might be too many. What I long for is to set my heart toward His, trusting that this silent connection is sufficient to convey all that is needed. I trust that our Lord understands what I cannot put into words when I align my heart with His.

Let us trust that God knows our hearts and minds. Let us lift our hearts to Him, who loves us, knowing that our longing to be with Him is a faithful prayer.

Let us pray:

“Lord, you know our hearts. Help us who need you, but that your will be done.” Amen.