Praying does not mean listening to yourself speak; praying means calming down and being still and waiting until you hear God. SØREN KIERKEGAARD (1813–1855) Suddenly I experienced the silence like a presence. At the heart of this silence was the One who is himself silence, peace, and tranquility. GEORGES BERNANOS (1888–1948) 471 Why is Abraham a model of prayer? Abraham listened to God. He was willing to set out for wherever God commanded and to do what God willed. By his listening and his readiness