By Bishop William S. Skylstad

Prayer means so many things, to so many people. I have been a
priest now for nearly 50 years. Some of those years were spent in
parish ministry; other years, educating and forming seminarians as
they discerned their call to priesthood. As a spiritual director, I
have walked with some remarkable individuals, humbled by the
opportunity to share their quest for greater unity with God. In
several parts of the country, I have had the honor of leading
retreats, especially for groups of priests.

When all is said and done, in all of these circumstances, a
fundamental question is asked and seeks a definitive answer: What
is prayer? Closely following that is a second question, just as
important: How do I pray?

In one sense, the answers are intensely simple. In another sense,
the answers are as varied as the rich diversity of God's creation
that is manifested in humanity itself.
What is prayer?
Prayer is a relationship. It is the relationship between an
individual and God, and it is the relationship between a group of
individuals with one another as they seek a relationship, together,
with God, in community.

We know that God wants this relationship with us. When people asked
him how to pray, Jesus didn't dismiss the question. He gave them
and gave us a model of prayer that evokes familiarity and respect,
that acknowledges our dependence on God while it gives us an
opportunity to express our joy in speaking candidly with the One we
call Father.