Prayer is to be in God's presence with open hands and an open heart.

There are many things in my life to which I cling as with a clinched fist -- my possessions for sure, but the immaterial things as well -- the work I do, the position I hold, the friends I have, my ideas, my principles, my image. If I should open my fist, they still remain. Nothing drops out. But my hands are open. And that is what prayer is. After a while, if I am willing to remain long enough with my open hands, the Lord will come. He will have a look and roam through my hands to see what I have. He may be surprised -- so many things ! Then He will look at me and ask:

'Would you mind if I take out this little bit ?'
And I answer, 'Of course you may take it out. That's why I am here with open hands.'
And perhaps the Lord will look another time and ask:
'Would you mind if I put something else in your hands ?'
And I answer: 'Of course you may.'