Q: How is prayer different from wishing, since God’s will is always done in the end? — Cindy, USA

A: +Dear Cindy,

Since we know that respect and considerate listening are noble qualities in human beings, we have a right to think that God is no less considerate and respectful towards us. It makes sense, then, to think that “God’s will” may be to listen to our heart’s desire and fulfill that desire. In fact, in our heart of hearts God is closer to us than we are to ourselves. So, our deepest desire is God’s will. To know our deepest desire, we must grow in stillness before we pray. Wishing and wanting come from our noisy surface; prayer expresses the desire of our innermost depths.

— Your brother David