When Jesus gave His life on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. This was not just a physical event but a powerful symbol. The veil represented a separation between humanity and God’s presence. The barrier between God and humanity had been removed by Jesus. Through Christ, we are invited to step into direct relationship with God.
Yet even now, some veils remain. Not veils of God’s making, but veils of our own making. Doctrines and teachings help us understand God, but they are not God Himself. Sermons and books can point us to truth, but they are not the Truth. It is possible to know about God without truly knowing Him. But Jesus calls us beyond knowledge and into encounter.
One way we can move beyond a surface understanding into true encounter with God is through prayer. When we come before God with open hearts, asking Him to reveal Himself, He is faithful to do so. This kind of prayer is not about saying the right words but about seeking Him honestly from the heart with longing. It is in these moments of quiet surrender, these moments set aside to engage with God and enter into our direct access to His presence, that veils are torn and we begin to see and experience Him more clearly.
This prayer comes from St. John of the Cross, a Spanish theologian of the 16th century. Known for his writings on union with God, he taught that true spiritual life is not found in intellectual knowledge alone but in deep, personal experience of God’s presence. Throughout history, Christians have testified along with God’s word that God’s presence is not merely a concept but a lived and transformative reality.
“Dear Lord, give me the truths which are veiled by the doctrines and articles of faith, which are masked by the pious words of sermons and books. Let my eyes penetrate the veil, and tear off the mask, that I can see Your truth face to face.”