Last week’s retreat was extremely beneficial. It is easy for us Christians (maybe especially for those in ministry) to become complacent and self-confident. Yet, if we’re paying even a little attention, it becomes obvious that our strength isn’t enough.

If you’ve paid attention to all of the readings of the Calendar recently, you may have sensed Jesus’ theme of “Listen Apostles, I’m leaving soon. But I’m sending someone else to guide you. The Holy Spirit, the Consoler, the Paraclete.” We must learn to appreciate that when we’re feeling distant from Christ. Where can that appreciation come?

The reality of human life leads to two deficiencies in us tuning in to the movements of the Holy Spirit.

1. We don’t pray enough.
2. We don’t listen. Period.

The first reality is that no matter how much any of us prays, it isn’t enough. Cloistered monks can’t pray enough. We can’t be what God is, we can’t be as perfect as His Son. Steadfast prayer (while essential) is no substitute for humanity. All things considered, we must pray as much as we are able.

The second one is tough. Especially for us extroverts. I’ve heard from two different sources in the past week that it takes between 17 and 20 minutes for us to get to a state where we are focused enough on our prayer to really be able to listen. How often to I even pray for 20 minutes? It’s rare. Even in extended prayer time I’m issuing a rambling litany of complaints, requests, and less often thanksgiving. But I rarely give God a chance to Speak to Me.

So I’m striving to pray more. I know that prayer is a two sided conversation too. What God has to say is much more important than what I do too. So I should shut up. I’m probably as guilty as speaking over him as anyone else is.