Is there anything holding you back from giving yourself unreservedly to God? Jesus offered freedom from oppression to everyone who sought him out. Wherever Jesus went the people came to him because they had heard all the great things he had done. They were hungry for God and desired healing from their afflictions. In faith  they pressed upon Jesus to touch him. As they did so power came from Jesus and they were healed. Even demons trembled in the presence of Jesus and acknowledged his true identity: You are the Son of God. When you hear God's word and consider all that Jesus did, how do you respond? With doubt or with expectant faith? With skepticism or with confident expectation? Ask the Lord to increase your faith in his saving power and grace.

"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Inflame my heart with a burning love for you and with an expectant faith in your saving power. Set me free from all that hinders me from drawing closer to you."

Stages of Growth in Christian Prayer, by Philip St. Romain

Transition From Active Prayer to Infused Contemplation (part three)

It may happen that some experience the first two of St. John's signs but not the third.  What should one in this situation do?  

The answer is to continue to live a life of faith and love, praying as best you can. A regular practice of centering prayer can help prepare you to receive the gift of contemplation, but a much better preparation comes from your efforts to love other people.  

Contemplation is  a union of love between God and the soul that overflows to the intellectual and sensual faculties.  Therefore, love (not knowledge or ascetical practices) is the best preparation for contemplation, and the best way to live, at any rate.  A saint is not judged according to the degree of contemplative prayer evidenced but according to the love he or she has shown.