I discovered a book again…I read it in 1983. Back then, it stopped me. It transformed me. It encouraged me to enter the seminary.

The book is called, He Touched Me by John Powell, SJ. It is a book about the journey of prayer. We are all pilgrims in this world. I didn’t realize that I mold most of my teachings on prayer on this little book that uses pictures to express the inexpressible.

In my book, Tear in the Desert, I recalled the times when God touched me in a profound way. Father John Powell helped me to understand those sacred moments of prayer years after they moved me. Father John offers us a “test of prayer” to determine if it really is a prayer with and from God.

All prayer must pass the threefold test of time, reality and charity.

Over the years, am I able to recall moments where I was in ecstasy with God, with love, with awe?

And is it possible for God to reach out to me because God simply loves me, delights in me, laughs and cries with me and smiles with me? Is it possible for God to simply love me at least if not more than my own earthly parents?

And does this prayer inspire me to pass this love on? Am I able to give my love away knowing that God’s fountain will refill me, overwhelm me, and dance with me?

There are six states of prayer as described by the Carmelite tradition.

Unawakened self

Awakened self

Purgative

Illuminative

(Dark Night of the Soul) the Cross

Union

Mother Teresa of Calcutta describes it simply as

The fruit of silence is prayer

The fruit of prayer is faith

The fruit of faith is love

The fruit of love is service

The fruit of service is peace.

Beloved, if our prayer is not leading to a genuine charity and love, we are wasting our time. Have a blessed and prayerful summer week.

Love, joy, peace,

Father Ron Moses +

www.tearinthedesert.com

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