Prayer for the early Christian writers, particularly St Augustine in his Letter to Proba, is considered as a form of spiritual resurrection. Prayer arises from a deep awareness that earthly life is incomplete compared to eternal life with God. Augustine teaches that this yearning fuels genuine prayer, expanding from personal needs to embrace all humanity. Prayer becomes an ongoing desire, often expressed more in silence, longing, and even sorrow than words. Scott examines the nature of neighbourly love through the example of Thérèse of Lisieux, showing how her embrace of those around her is a manifestation of living prayer, and how holiness can be lived in small, hidden acts of humility and charity.
Thérèse’s ‘Little Way’ is a path of trust, self-giving, and interior transformation. True love of neighbour emerges from surrender to God’s will: a profound and prayerful participation in Divine love. This text offers an introduction to contemplative prayer that grows from the mystery of Resurrection.