We are very much like the disciples who went to the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus to watch and pray. Our intentions, as theirs, are good.

Jesus asked them to please stay with him. They wanted to be with him, they loved him and knew he needed them. They tried to pray as he asked, but they fell asleep. We come to Ash Wednesday full of hope and promise for the Lenten season ahead. We decide that we will do any number of things to bring us closer to God during this season yet sometimes we don't quite make it. We, too, get tired and fall asleep.

Lent is not over. There is plenty of time for prayer, fasting, repentance and charity. This year the call to quiet, private prayer is strong. I have found a great companion in "Yielding, Prayers for Those in Need of Hope," by William J. O'Malley (Liguori Press, 1992). It is set up on the Ignatian model of a 30-day retreat and offers daily morning, daytime and evening prayers.

The book, says the author, was meant for those who were in need of hope --- those suffering. Since at one time or another we all suffer, the book is for everyone.

I admit, it sat on my bookshelf for a year or so before I began to read it. Then I began to follow it for a few days before "life" distracted me. Much like the disciples at Gethsemane, the intentions were there but things got in the way.

Each section of prayer follows the same pattern: a few words to bring the reader into the presence of God, then moving to Scripture passages that the author has reworded into modern language. Following this is a passage from a major work of literature, and finally prayers written by the author himself.

The experience utilizes contemporary, real-life language with the appropriate touch of humor. The Day Two Morning Prayer begins: Living God, we have a well-worn cliché perhaps you've heard: "Every dark cloud has a …" You have. Well, as I begin this day, I'd be grateful if you'd remind me. Each evening prayer ends on a comforting note, as in Day Eight: Holy Friend, we come to the end of what has not been a perfect day. But as Mercutio quipped, " 'T'will do." And my eternal thanks for it.

It amazes me how often the theme of the prayer for the day seems to fit my personal experience. Today, as I grappled with an ongoing concern, the morning prayer offered an answer: Living God, grant me the serenity to accept the things that can't be changed, the courage to change what can be changed, and the wisdom to know the difference. I have heard and seen these words many times, but this time they served a different purpose and set the tone for the day.

These 30 days of prayer are a bit unconventional, even quirky at times. They bring smiles and they provoke thought. Most importantly they offer a concrete guide on how to pause three times each day to connect with God.

A more traditional type of personal prayer can be found in "The Glenstal Book of Prayer" (The Liturgical Press, 2001). This lovely little book includes morning and evening prayers over seven days, seasonal prayers, familiar prayers that many of us have committed to memory as well prayers for various occasions, and blessings. It is a Benedictine prayer book that ends with readings from the Rule of St. Benedict.

Each of us enjoys a certain style of prayer. The best style is the one that moves us to listen to what God might be saying, and then motivates us to act on what we hear. One of these two books may offer that help and guidance this Lent.

Anne Hansen is a member of the Camarillo Catholic community. Her e-mail address is familymail@aol.com.