St.
Augustine, the early church father and theologian, described prayer as
like a man in a hapless boat who throws a rope at a rock. The rock
provides the needed security and stability and life for the helpless
man. When the rock is lassoed it's not the man pulling the rock to the
boat (though it may appear that way); it is the pulling of the boat to
the rock. Jesus is the rock, and we throw the rope through prayer.
Prayer is the lifeline that saves the drowning soul. Prayer is the
umbilical cord that provides nourishment to the starving spirit. Prayer
is the channel by which God's life-giving presence flows to us.