MOTHER TERESA was very active but she had an absolute peace with God. The J Generation, who are called to be so active, need to grasp this principle.

The newest house family member, whenever she comes up against something, shares with me, and we talk and pray about it. I could be seen to be giving a lot to her. But I want to build in her a dependance on God alone. You have to work at this.

It was reading about the lives of great Christians, such as Mother Teresa, that first inspired me about prayer. I soon noticed the connection - their incredible contemplative life. God showed me that this was the source of their life.

I just love talking to Him. I tell God everything - my hopes, my fears, my disappointments. Over and over again, I find myself in a place where I don't have a clue, but I know God does. So I pray.

I pray nearly every morning. Particularly recently, I have just enjoyed the silence. I use the prayer shed in our back garden quite a bit, and I like walking in remote places too.

Of course, I don't always instantly hear God. Often it could seem as if nothing happened if it wasn't for the faith in my heart.

Sin is a blockage to prayer, and repentance is absolutely essential. Imagine a light invading you. You will know the unclean things in your life. Repent and let forgiveness flood in.

One inspiration has been obedience to prayer. The Missionaries of Charity, whenever a bell rings, stop what they are doing and pray. I've now set up Microsoft Outlook to flash up a reminder every 2 hours. It is my signal to leave my desk and go in the staff room and pray for 5 minutes. I'm saying, 'No matter how busy I am, God, it's really all about you.' I don't always manage it though!

I've learnt these things over a long time. I started off going to bed late and getting up early, and soon I was on the point of burning out. Now I approach it differently. If there's a need, I will stay up. Otherwise, my priority is my morning prayer-time.

At the beginning of 2002, I had an experience of real physical travail. I just knew that if I couldn't be totally for God, I'd rather die. I considered the church, the future, J Generation, and I just felt agony. The burden grew and soon the J Generation intercession group formed.

Intercession is not just praying for hours; it takes far more commitment. But the first step is to make yourself available. Then God will give you the burden.

It has been hard work over two years, and in some ways there is not much to show for it. Blood, sweat, and tears - that's what you can expect. But if we're willing, we will gain that peace.