At one time or another, we all have had regular habits or practices that were disrupted, perhaps by a major life change, or maybe by a more subtle “getting off track.” Our contemplative practices can be disrupted in the same way – even the most seasoned and dedicated practitioners will recount extended periods of not engaging their practice for any number on reasons: for instance, dedicated prayer periods become more difficult when one is suffering intense pain, or when young children or grandchildren are a regular part of day-to day life. When these disruptions to the routine inevitably come, it is important not to become discouraged. Such times could be the call of God to seek God in new ways, perhaps through the suffering, or in the child’s laughter. There is no “one size fits all” prayer practice foe every season of life, and our practices will need to adapt as seasons change. Moreover, we should accept all such “failures” to pray as graced lessons in humility, remembering that perfect faithfulness can only ever come from God, not us. Rather than perfection, our gift in prayer is simple presence, meaning that the only way to ever really “fail” at prayer is to never try, to never be present, again. In the instant we return to prayer, no matter how long the disruption or how feeble the attempt, we have succeeded, just by being present!