I sat recently with someone dear to me, as she was undergoing preparation for a Pet Scan.  Uneasy with the thought of radioactive isotopes making their way through her body in search of errant cells, she had asked for my presence in the dark and quiet room where she was to rest for an hour. 

The technician was hesitant, but finally agreed that I could be there, with a lead shield between us, protecting me from the radiation.  She was instructed to rest so that the isotopes could do their work, so we sat in silent camaraderie, communicating without words.  Assured that she was not alone, she relaxed and slept until the hour had passed.

To me, that time was holy.  I meditated during the silence about how much like prayer the interlude was.   Presence was more important than words.  Just knowing that we are accompanied through the experiences of life by One who loves us, who is with us, who will not leave us alone – that is enough to bring us quiet confidence and rest. 

Prayer does not need to be about endless babble.  Our needs are known.  Our weaknesses are supported. Our fears and hopes, our questions and dreams are acknowledged by the creator who is also our companion.

And he has torn the curtain down!  The contamination of our sin no longer separates us from his holiness.  At Calvary, he banished the barrier.  God is no longer hidden from our sight.  He looks at us with all the love that we can ever need, and in his presence is fullness of joy and completeness of peace.  That is what calls us to be saints on safari.