DAY EIGHT
For imperfect and vacillating beings such as I, it is infinitely comforting to know that one does not have to do anything extraordinary to permit God to enter and sustain our lives as the chief source of true joy and delight. It is inexpressibly humbling to know that God is everywhere, even in the depths of despair to which we may have sunk in our dejection. If he is there at the lowest point of our lives, then surely we can assume that he will be there for us wherever we are and whenever we seek him. This is where the sinner can take hope that the door of heaven desires to open to her, should she but raise her eyes to seek God. Bharti
PRAYER:Â Remember how St Augustine tells us
about his seeking God in many places
and eventually finding his father within himself.
Do you suppose it is of little importance
that a soul that is easily distracted
should come to understand this truth,
and to find that, in order to speak to its eternal father
and to take delight in him,
it has no need to go to heaven
or to speak in a loud voice?
However quietly we speak,
God is so near that we will be heard.
Nor need we feel strange
in the presence of so great a guest.
We must talk with God humbly.
We should spell out our troubles
and beg to have them put right;
and at the same time realize
we are not worthy to be the children of God.
MANTRA: Â No matter how quietly I speak, God hears.
EVENING PRAYER:Â I need no wings to go in search of you,
but have only to understand
that the quiet of this night
is a place where I can be alone with you
and look upon your presence within me.
For if I have you, God,
I want for nothing,
You alone suffice.