As an introduction to how one ordinary person can awaken to life as prayer, here's the first in a short series of posts excerpted from my little book, Returning to the Center: Living Prayer in a Distracting World---The Spiritual Memoir of a Twenty-First Century Christian. Download it free here.

I knew from history that those who were truly great did not set out to be great. We remember few who built great buildings or managed great projects or discovered great things. Those who stand tallest in our collective memories were great souls. I also knew the truth made clear at every funeral I’ve ever done: few are remembered for the things they thought mattered, the hours they spent at work, the ambitions that drove them, even the money and possessions they acquired. Those who are remembered well are those whose lives bring us hope and show us love—those who are generous of spirit, those who are wise.

More tomorrow . . .