Exploring The Midnight Zone
What elements/equipment do the biologists need to be able to discover new things in the ocean's midnight zone?
- Deep waters
- A submersible water vehicle
- Lights
- Cameras
- Recording equipment
Think about each element/tool needed to explore the deep. Then, think about prayer. What similarities can you find between each element noted above and the elements needed for prayer?
- Deep waters can be likened to a quiet place where you can focus. “When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.” -Mt 6:6
- You are like the submersible water vehicle. You need to carefully prepare yourself to dive into prayer.
- The light you bring to prayer could be a candle. Also, the bible, writings of the saints and/or the documents of the Church bring spiritual light. Teresa of Avila said that she never went into prayer without bringing the bible and good spiritual books. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” -Psalm 119:105
- Cameras are like the awareness you need to bring to prayer through your open ear and heart, ready to perceive what God will tell you or show you. “Sacrifice or oblation You wished not, but ears open to obedience You gave me.” -Psalm 40:7
- Recording equipment in prayer could be a journal or your memory. Just as the biologists review what they caught on video, your memory or journal help you go back and see over time how God has been moving in your life and answering your prayers. “The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” -John 14:26
By being attentive, the marine biologists discover new things every time they dive into the midnight zone. Do you think that if you are attentive, God might have something new in store for you every time you enter into prayer?
- Yes!
- God promises in Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
- Even though it can be hard work at times, the best job in the world is to pray to God, since He is so good and creative. It is exciting, fun and surprising to see what He will reveal next – every time we pray!