IX. Presence
(Little Catechism of the Life of Prayer, 6.1-12)

"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3.17)

Bearing His Presence

In mental prayer, the love distilled
From Love is meant to be outpoured;
As earthen vessels cleansed and filled,
We're primed for service of the Lord.

From the Word and the Eucharist,
Our souls are filled with His essence;
Sent out from Mass, bearers of Christ,
To serve others in His presence.

From time to time, calling to mind
His presence, with brief prayers and praise,
Holds the heart near Him, intertwined
With His will and His loving ways.

To live with Him in each moment,
To share His kindness on the road,
To see His hand in each event -
In the ev'ryday, He's bestowed.

His presence recalled on the way,
Will sanctify the ev'ryday.

"For if the soul is much with Him, as it is right it should be, it will very seldom think of itself; its whole thought will be concentrated upon finding ways to please Him and upon showing Him how it loves Him. This, my daughters, is the aim of prayer… of which are born good works and good works alone. Such works, as I have told you, are the sign of every genuine favor and of everything else that comes from God. It will profit me a little if I am alone and deeply recollected, and make acts of love to Our Lord and plan and promise to work wonders in His service, and then, as soon as I leave my retreat and some occasion presents itself, I do just the opposite." (St. Teresa of Jesus, Interior Castle, Seventh Mansions, chapter 4)


Holy Spirit, help me to recall the Lord's presence frequently throughout the day, to share the ordinary events and tasks with Him, so that they may be sanctified by Your grace. Amen.

(c) Paul Buis, 2007