Four Reals.

On the night of my ordination, a treasured mentor gave me a charge from the pulpit that still shapes me today: ‘Remember, ministry is about telling of a real God with real love for real people in their real need.' What a great definition. Lately, I’ve been thinking about this meeting place—where a real and loving God meets real people in real need—especially in the mystery of prayer.

The fruit of prayer is union with God. Deep, abiding union. God himself is our reward. Intercession—praying for others—is vital, but it flows most powerfully from abiding in God’s presence and listening to what is on his heart. Prayer is not just about asking; it is communion. But how do we cultivate such a life? St. Ignatius of Loyola offers a practice that can help: the colloquy. It’s a term that, while no longer in vogue, is packed with possibilities.

In Shakespeare’s plays, a soliloquy is a one-way speech—a character revealing their thoughts to the audience. But a colloquy is different. It’s a conversation. Prayer, at its heart, is a colloquy with the divine—a real exchange between God and us. It begins with either the Lord or the person praying starting the conversation.

How might the Lord be starting a conversation with you? Perhaps a verse or a theme leapt out at you off the pages of your bible. Or, it could be through a lack of peace you sense about a decision. Maybe you are haunted by a dream that you had recently, or years ago. You might feel a growing desire for silence and solitude, and seek a quiet place to pray. Or there could be a beginning because you clicked this link and are reading this blog. All these examples, and many more, are invitations to pay attention to. They are the beginnings of something that could grow so much deeper. How do real people in real need enter into such a two-way dialogue of enquiring of the Lord?

Pray about praying. This simple practice has transformed my prayer life. While prayer is a two-way exchange between God and the one praying, it takes God to show you God. This is true both to see, understand and respond to the gospel in the first place and in each meeting with him afterwards. His grace enables us to pray; therefore, let’s humble ourselves and ask for his help.

Keep it real. Take off all the painted masks, those false personas you might have erected in the name of self-protection. Maybe you think that prayer ought or should sound a certain way. It doesn’t! As Hagar came to experience and name, the Lord sees. He sees you as you are and in the place you are in. You may be far from home and not in the preferred future you hoped might have materialised. That doesn’t matter. What matters is knowing you can encounter God in such places. Begin where you are and watch what happens as you welcome the help and guidance from One with real love for you. Notice those strange coincidences that occur throughout the hours and days following such honest prayer.

Be prepared to be surprised.

There is no script here, this is not a predictable exercise. These colloquy moments can’t be controlled or tamed. For it is an encounter with the living God who feels deeply for the world he has made and is intimately involved in redeeming through the wonder of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He moves toward you with great tenderness with the invitation of fresh mercy.

You might also surprise yourself with what surfaces when you are honest with yourself and God, and allow yourself to be seen by Him. That look alone can bring transformation.

All of these moments of awareness can be turned into further prayer, and the two-way conversation can continue.