"To prepare the way means to pray well; it means thinking humbly of oneself. We should take our lesson from John the Baptist." ~St. Augustine
http://depthstowilderness.com/2014/01/
https://tomperna.org/2014/12/
John Bears Witness to Christ in Three Ways:
Preaching
Baptism of Conversion
Martyrdom
Prayer
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church: the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior's coming and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy which his presence will bestow, for he is Lord for ever and ever. ~Taken from the Liturgy of the Hours (EP II, p. 269, Vol. 1)