“Constant Hope, Reflections and Meditations to Strengthen the Spirit.” by Sister Joyce Rupp O.S.M. Joyce Rupp was born and still lives in the US. She is a Roman Catholic author of many books which have been translated into several languages. She is a member of the Servite Order and Co-Director of the Institute of Compassionate Presence as well as being an international retreat leader and conference speaker. Her books include: Boundless Compassion, Praying our Goodbyes, Open the Door, Fragments of Your Ancient Name and Fly While You Still Have Wings. The following extract is from her book called Constant Hope, Reflections and Meditations to Strengthen the Spirit.
“He told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary: Luke 18:1. There are two noteworthy phrases in this verse from Luke’s gospel: pray always, and, without becoming weary. Prayer consists foremost of an intention of the heart: I intend to be in union with God. I focus my desire on enjoying and growing more loving through this relationship. To pray always does not imply that I am continually uttering words in order to experience this union. Rather, always means that I persistently desire to have God in my heart. I intend to keep this inward goal alive wherever I am. My mind may be occupied with constant obligations but my heart leans toward this inner union. Without becoming weary implies that I do not give up on my yearning to stay closely united with my Beloved Companion even when the distance between us might seem vast, or when the distraction of duties impinges upon it. In meditation and other forms of prayer, I do not tire of turning my attention again and again toward this communion, trusting that the Holy One knows the desires of my heart and loves me no matter how distracted or preoccupied I might be.”