For those who are trying to find God, prayer should be a pleasurable experience, since it is nothing but an attempt to seek his presence as a friend.
Yet most of us find our prayer lacking in joy.
Is it, perhaps, because we don't really understand the nature of prayer?
The common illusion is that we think we take the initiative.
No, it is God who tries to get our attention, waiting for our response.
Our part is to give him time and attention, to respond joyfully to his presence.
Words are the usual means of responding.
But more important than words is my heart's response to God's Word, my total presence to his abiding presence in myself, in people, in creation, in Scripture and the Sacraments.