Simply recognizing God in us and around us

Lately I've been reading a book of Mother Teresa's quotes entitled "Everything Starts from Prayer." I was initially drawn to this book while browsing at the bookstore for two reasons: its title and the fact that it was on sale for half price. I've also been wanting to read Mother Teresa's writings because her life of radical service to the poor and acceptance of every person really resonates within me. Her wisdom in this book has been a blessing in my life, calling me to deeper intimacy with, dependency on and faith in God.

"Everything Starts From Prayer." The book's title is a reminder every time I glance at my bookshelf of my dependence on God, calling me to spend time with him. It's a fact that is so easy to forget or disregard, especially when life is hectic or I don't feel like praying. But I am realizing that literally, I can do nothing well without first spending time in prayer and receiving all I need from God. Prayer is, truly, essential.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, St. Paul tells us to "pray without ceasing" (NAB). Prayer is simply recognizing God in and around us. It is turning our attention to God, letting him into our thoughts and actions. It is living our life for and with God. Sometimes it is words; sometimes it is silence. Sometimes it is mundane, daily actions; sometimes it is stillness. Whatever form it takes on a moment-by-moment basis, prayer is recognizing we are living in the presence of God. This is a beautiful realization that gives deep joy and lasting peace.

Mother Teresa talks about being empty and silent before God, that prayer is a conversation in which God speaks to us in the silence of our hearts, and we speak back to God out of the fullness he gives our hearts. I love this because it is peaceful and still. It is simple and intimate. It is a conversation with God, a reliance on him and trust in him in which prayer becomes joy. When we are still and allow God to speak and then we speak back to him, prayer becomes an intimate encounter with Love and Goodness and Peace himself. It grows our trust in God deeper and allows us to live holding everything we have with open hands.

Let us invite God into our thoughts and ask him to fulfill us in the places we feel afraid, empty, or wanting. Let us ask for wholeheartedness and single-mindedness in loving him and desiring what he wants in our lives: goodness, freedom and peace. Let us remember that the point of everything is to be loved by God -- which we are without even trying -- and then to love him and others. Let us take time each day to simply be with God, to sit immersed in his love and to let him love us. He will transform us.

Mia Pohlman is a Perryville, Mo., native studying at Truman State University. She loves performing, God and the color purple -- not necessarily in that order.