One of the keys to contemplative prayer practice is to enter into prayer with no expectations. This directive can prove surprisingly difficult for many, especially in the goal- and results-oriented culture in the West. We seldom engage any activity without a clearly defined sense of expected or desired outcome. If we’re honest, this very much includes prayer, as most people will have a quick and ready answer if asked what they hope to get out of their prayer – “peace,” “healing,” and “guidance” are some of the more popular graces we seek through prayer, and rest assured that God is continually offering these and all the other graces we seek in abundance! However, we must be reminded again and again that Christianity is a religion of relationship. Relationship is the meaning of Trinity, the desire of Incarnation, and the fruit of the Paschal Mystery! Every aspect of our religious experience points to relationship, and so should our prayer. And the quickest route to a failed relationship is for one of the parties to enter in hoping to “get something out of” the other. In fact, living out true relationship is one of the few experiences of our lives where we seldom have much sense of, or care for, what comes next. We only know that there is Love, and we’re ready and eager to be surprised by where it takes us. So should it be with prayer.