Sooner or later, we must transcend the habit of looking for God outside of ourselves. I say this because ultimately it is our minds and hearts that become God’s dwelling place. Even when we visit a holy place or spend time with a saintly person, the connection with the Divine occurs within our awareness and individual consciousness. In these instances, we place our attention on what is true, beautiful, and good, and therefore, we naturally experience God’s presence. In this spirit, Saint Clare gives us two very practical suggestions: “Pray and watch at all times.”
Let us start with watchfulness. In its most general sense, watchfulness ensures that we do not fall asleep at the wheel of our lives or allow our gift of free will to fall into passive sleepiness. Watchfulness is staying present, even when it is uncomfortable to do so. Watchfulness is being intentional and purposeful in any and all circumstances, choosing to operate from the highest truth, beauty, and goodness. Watchfulness is being present to ourselves, others, and our challenges with unprejudiced objectivity. Watchfulness is remembering that all good gifts come from above and continually expressing our loving gratitude toward the giver of all gifts, God.
In addition to watching at all times, Clare reminds us to pray at all times. Prayer is lifting our minds and hearts toward heaven. Prayer is remembering God. Prayer is choosing to see the hand of God in all events, regardless if we understand what God is doing or not. Prayer is making eye contact with God and maintaining that eye contact no matter what. Prayer is the choice to recognize God’s presence in all people, including ourselves. Prayer is fulfilling all duties for the love of God and neighbor. Prayer is the choice to nurture joy within our hearts. Prayer is the aspiration to do God’s will. Prayer is forgiving others and ourselves. Prayer is surrendering all outcomes to God. Prayer is saying, “Thy will be done,” or, “As you wish.” Prayer is love and love is prayer.
Watch and pray,
Watch and pray.
