Praying Always: Luke's Invitation to Deeper Communion

by Lori Wilson

I've been immersing myself in the Gospel of Luke and am reminded in a fresh way of the vital importance of prayer. I understand prayer not as a one-way flow of words from me to God, but as genuine dialogue—a sacred communication where I share what's on my heart and listen with that same heart for God's response.

In my work as a spiritual director, I'm constantly aware of how God speaks to us in countless ways. I believe God is reaching out continuously, but we often miss these divine whispers. Our spiritual work is learning to attune our hearts to God's voice, which may come through our priest's homily, a scripture passage that suddenly comes alive, an unexpected thought, a message from a friend, a song on the radio, or the language of creation itself.

Luke reminds us to "pray always"—to weave prayer into the fabric of our ordinary days. When I rise each morning, I give thanks for the gift of a new day and all the possibilities it holds. Before meals, I pause in gratitude for food, mindful that I never worry about having enough while knowing others in our world go hungry. Before getting into my car—that "hunk of steel," as a friend once called it—I pray for protection as I venture onto roads with other drivers and conditions beyond my control.

When someone I love comes to mind, especially if they're struggling, I don't just worry—I ask God to be with them in a special way so they know they're not alone. When loneliness creeps in and I feel isolated, I tell God exactly how I'm feeling and ask for help to treasure the companionship I do have and find contentment in my life as it is.

Sometimes I share with God what I really want—like a toddler asking for the impossible, hoping for miracles. Then I take a breath and ask instead for what I truly need. My wants and my needs can be strikingly different.

At day's end, I review the hours with gratitude, looking for the ways God blessed me and searching for moments where I glimpsed divine presence. I also ask God to show me where I missed the mark—where I failed to love as I was invited to—and I look toward tomorrow with hope, knowing I can try again to love more like Jesus.

I'm grateful for Luke's Gospel and its persistent reminder to pray, to communicate, to deepen my relationship with the God who knows my heart before I do. It's in this deepened relationship that I come to know God more intimately and realize just how completely I am loved.

For Deeper Reflection:

• Luke shows us Jesus withdrawing regularly for prayer, even in his busiest seasons. What does this reveal about the necessity of prayer, and how might you create space for this kind of communion in your own life?

• I describe prayer as noticing God's voice in ordinary moments—through people, nature, and circumstances. When have you experienced God speaking to you in unexpected ways? What helped you recognize it as God's voice?

• Consider the difference between bringing your "wants" versus your "needs" to God. How do you discern between these in your own prayer life? What happens when you sit with this distinction?

• Many of us carry fears about prayer—that God won't respond, that we're bothering God, or that we're not "good enough" at praying. What invitation might God be extending to you right now to bring something specific to prayer, even if it feels risky or vulnerable?

• You might have an invitation to review each day for both God's blessings and moments where you "missed the mark." How might this practice of daily examen deepen your awareness of God's presence and your own spiritual growth?