St. John Chrysostom

The Prayer of Longing

"Prayer is the light of the spirit "Prayer and converse with God is a
supreme good: it is a partnership and union with God. As the eyes of the
body are enlightened when they see light, so our spirit, when it is intent
on God, is illumined by his infinite light. I do not mean the prayer of
outward observance but prayer from the heart, not confined to fixed times,
or periods but continuous throughout the day and night.

Our spirit should be quick to reach out toward God not only when it is
engaged in meditation; at other times also, when it is carrying out its
duties, caring for the needy, performing works of charity, giving generously
in the service of others, our spirit should long for God, and call him to
mind, so that these works may be seasoned with the salt of God's love, and
so make a palatable offering to the Lord of the universe. Throughout the
whole of our lives we may enjoy the benefit that comes from prayer if we
devote a great deal of time to it.

Prayer is the light of the spirit, true knowledge of God, mediating between
God and man. The spirit, raised up to heaven by prayer, clings to God with
the utmost tenderness; like a child crying tearfully for its mother, it
craves the milk that God provides. It seeks the satisfaction of its own
desires, and receives gifts outweighing the whole world of nature.

Prayer stands before God as an honored ambassador. It gives joy to the
spirit, peace to the heart. I speak of prayer, not words. It is the longing
for God, love too deep for words, a gift not given by man but by God's grace.
The apostle Paul says: "We do not know how we are to pray but the Spirit
himself pleads for us with inexpressible longings." Rom. 8:26.

When the Lord gives this kind of prayer to [someone]; he gives him riches
that cannot be taken away, heavenly food that satisfies the spirit. One who
tastes this food is set on fire with an eternal longing for the Lord: his
spirit burns as in a fire of the utmost intensity.

Practice prayer from the beginning. Paint your house with the colors of
modesty and humility. Make it radiant with the light of justice. Decorate it
with the finest gold leaf of good deeds. Adorn it with the walls and stones
of faith and generosity. Crown it with the pinnacle of prayer. In this way
you will make it a perfect dwelling place for the Lord. You will be able to
receive him as in a splendid palace, and through his grace you will already
possess him, his image enthroned in the temple of your spirit. "