Prayer, especially as we become more contemplative and more at home with Jesus our teacher, friend, brother, beloved, and father (all in one), does not have to be long. It can be short. In fact, isn’t that what Jesus says in the Gospel? “When you are praying,” says Jesus, “do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words” (Mt 6:7).

The Gospel, without fail, aims at simplicity, for God is simple and we are called to become more and more like God.

How could this be realized? It is hard enough for us, as we begin and as we travel this road, to imagine how any prayer (adoration, confession) could become simpler and yet more attentive. (This is the surprise of contemplation!) But all the more, how can a prayer of petition become simpler?

One example is this simple approach of Marcel Văn’s: he hears that his friend is in need;

I went straight-away to the tabernacle. There I didn’t discuss long with my dear Jesus; I contented myself with throwing on him a simple look, but into this quick attention I let pass all the compassion I have for you, in such a way that Jesus understood me.

All the compassion thrown into one short attentive glance. Well, that’s enough and it’s exactly what Jesus wants us to approach, though the road takes time and effort and tears, to be sure.

But the road, also, is worth it – for ourselves and for others.