In one of the cathedrals of northern Europe an exquisite group in high relief represents the life of prayer. It is arranged in three panels. The first of them reminds us of the precept apostolic: "Pray without ceasing". We see the facade of a large temple that opens onto the market square. The great square is strewn with crowds of eager men, gesticulating, negotiating, all evidently with the intention of making a profit. But One, wearing a crown of thorns and clad in a seamlessly woven garment from above, moves silently through the clamoring crowd and subdues the greediest heart to holy fear. The second panel shows the temple precinct and serves to illustrating the common worship of the Church. White-robed ministers hastening here and there. Carrying oil for the lamp, water for the lavatory, and blood from the altar; with pure intent, with eyes turned toward glory invisible, they fulfill the duties of their sacred vocation. The third panel introduces us to the inner sanctum. A lone worshiper has entered within the veil, and quiet and humble in the presence of God, he bows before the resplendent Shekinah. This represents the hidden life of prayer that the Master spoke of in the well-known words: "But you, when you pray, go into your inner chamber and, shutting the door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who is in secret." go in secret, he will reward you" (Matthew 6:6, KJV). Our Lord takes it for granted that his people will pray. And, in fact, in Scripture the outward obligation of prayer is generally implied rather than stated. Moved by a divinely implanted instinct, our nature cries out for God, for the living God.
