Lent Day 8:

The life of contemplation is, then, 
not simply a life of human technique and discipline;
it is the life of the Holy Spirit in our inmost souls.

Contemplation is the work of love, 
and the contemplative proves his [sic] love 
by leaving all things, 
even the most spiritual things, for God 
in nothingness, detachment, and "night".  
But the deciding factor in contemplation is the free and unpredictable action of God.

from The Inner Experience by Thomas Merton


A suggestion for your prayer and meditation:

When you sit in prayer or meditation begin by imagining the Holy Spirit flowing through you.  You control nothing of the Spirit's movements.  You do not cause the Spirit to be present.  You are simply providing a conduit. If it helps, picture the Spirit radiating outward from your heart and through the palms of your hands; outward to a world in need of love and grace.