The Necessity and Beauty of Prayer

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On this feast day of St. Anthony the Abbot, I thought it appropriate to write about the necessity and beauty of deep prayer, prayer in solitude. Having read briefly about St. Anthony, and having become familiar with Carmelite spirituality in recent months (especially through Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M.), I have a greater understanding of the necessity and inexplicable beauty of prayer in my life.

I have been inspired to spend more time preparing myself for contemplative prayer; and to spend more time alone with God, without any distractions. St. Anthony spent many years in total isolation from humanity, but emerged "vigorous in body and mind" after twenty years. This simple statement is evidence that time spent with God, and total reliance on His sustaining grace, can refresh and reform our bodies and souls. I only wish I had a bit more time to spend alone with Him.

God Bless.

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