By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

In praying, do not keep on babbling. – Matthew 6:7

How often do you find yourself babbling? I can say for myself that I tend to babble out of nerves. That is, when I am in an unfamiliar place and with unfamiliar people, I end up saying everything.

I come home thinking, Why did I say that? And why did I go on and on and on? I never even listened to the other person.

We certainly do the same thing with God. We talk and talk and do not listen.

God already knows what’s going on in our lives, right? And no doubt is willing to guide us … if we only will listen.

Benedict says, “We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words. Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace.” RB 20

So, I’m trying – with Jesus’ and Benedict’s help – not to babble. I’m trying to talk less and listen more. A tall order, but I’ve got the A-team on my side.