Seek the LORD and his strength. Seek his face forever more. – 1 Chronicles 16:11, WEB
The essence of prayer is not merely to lift up our petitions to God. It is not merely to ask for forgiveness or guidance or strength. It is not merely an obligation to praise Him who is indeed to be praised.
The essence of prayer is in being in the very presence of God. It is in basking in His love and tenderness, and in knowing you are dearly loved. It is in knowing you are understood, that you are not alone even in your deepest pain.
Prayer is communing with the God who has always watched over you and has long been waiting to embrace you and to reveal to you His love.
…prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends. – St. Teresa of Avila
The thing about hope is that it’s a positive force that shines the most when it’s dark. When everything’s going well, we hardly notice it’s there. But when things go against us, when our dreams fade and when we see no immediate reprieve from our troubles, that’s when hope does its best work for us.
"Where Hope Can Be Found"