Cloud of Unknowing

The entrance antiphon for Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter reads Let us come to God's presence with confidence, because we will find mercy and strength when we need it.

So, what exactly does it mean to come to God's presence?  The Cloud of Unknowing, a classic read if ever there was one, and one every serious Christian should know, says Paradoxical as it may seem, it would not even occur to a person...to desire contemplative love were it not already alive within...

We've come upon this concept repeatedly, that God is within; that our task is to discover him there; to become aware of his presence; to become more conscious of him dwelling within our heart. All of these concepts imply work. God is there...what can we do to become more aware of him?

Again, The Cloud of Unknowing says: let that mysterious grace [contemplation] move in your spirit as it will and follow wherever it leads you...feel this mysterious grace sweetly awaken in the depths of your spirit...

Grace does what it wills. But we must never forget our involvement. We cannot be led if we are not watching and observing God within. We cannot feel if we are unaware. We cannot be moved if our mind and heart are busy elsewhere.