Some people think that in prayer, you are the one giving to God. You give him words, you give him time, you give him emotions. But in reality, prayer in its true depth is a process of taking from God. He is the Giver, not the taker. The person who prays and feels that he has taken from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and feels that he has received power from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and receives blessings from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and receives repentance from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and receives holiness in their life from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and receives a spiritual connection between themselves and God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer.
— Pope Shenouda III (1923-2012) [Coptic Orthodox Church]
