We all desire intimacy with the Lord whether we realize it or not. And in many cases, in prayer, we might find ourselves asking God for His nearness, like in Psalm 86, today's Responsorial Psalm: "Turn toward me."
A prayer like this reminds me that if someone has turned away, it's me. I turn away from God by not creating space for Him in my life, by pursuing things that don't bring me closer to Him, by spending time doing anything but talking with Him.
With these three words—"turn toward me"—I simultaneously turn towards Him and show Him my interest in Him and in our relationship. It's a small first step to reconciliation with Him during moments when I feel as though He's far away.
In prayer, I ask Him to shorten the distance that I've created. I ask Him to do what feels difficult for me to do.
"Turn toward me. Have pity on me; give your strength to your servant" (Psalm 86:9-10).
It's this simple prayer—and ones like this—I like to put on repeat in my life.
God doesn't want to hide Himself from us. He doesn't want to make it difficult for us to find Him, to be with Him, even when sometimes it feels like that, sister. Our Father in Heaven isn't someone who looks upon us condescendingly, but with deep heartache for the distance we've created—for us, His beloved daughters.
With just a few breaths, with just a few moments, we can move closer to having that intimacy with Him that we desire.
Turn towards Him. // @praymorenovenasClick to tweet
Let's say it again: "Turn toward me. Have pity on me; give your strength to your servant."
Annie Deddens is a writer and producer. She runs a prayer ministry with her husband, called Pray More Novenas. She has a heart for the sick & suffering, and she writes about living with greater faith (hope & love, too) in this imperfect world as a Catholic wife on her blog, Catholic Wife, Catholic Life. Find out more about her here.
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