Prologue to The Rule (paragraphs 1-2)

This, then, is the beginning of my advice: make prayer the first step in anything worthwhile that you attempt. (From para. 2 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

My first step: Turn away from my false self, toward the other, in selfless relationship.  This is the reality where I will find God's grace.