Augustine (354-430), Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Quote Author, Quote Topic
Our thoughts in this present life should turn on the praise of God, because it is in praising God that we shall rejoice for ever in the life to come; and no one can be ready for the next life unless he trains himself for it now. So we praise God during our earthly life, and at the same time we make our petitions to him. Our praise is expressed with joy, our petitions with yearning. We have been promised something we do not yet possess, and because the promise was made by one who keeps his word, we trust him and are glad; but insofar as possession is delayed, we can only long and yearn for it. It is good for us to persevere in longing until we receive what was promised, and yearning is over; then praise alone will remain.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (what), Quote Topic
Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.
–Saint John Damascene (c. 676-750)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Keep yourself as a pilgrim and a stranger here in this world, as one to whom the world’s business counts by little. Keep your heart free, and always lift it up to God.
–Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
If you want to learn something that will really help you, learn to see yourself as God sees you and not as you see yourself in the distorted mirror of your own self-importance.
–Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Struggle (with Sin)
Some people are tempted most strongly at the beginning of their spiritual life, others near the end. Some are troubled all their lives. Still others receive only light temptation. Such things are decided by God, and we can trust his wisdom.
–Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Grace, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Bring to God a clean and open heart, if you wish to see how sweet the Lord is; though truly you will never attain this happiness unless His grace prepares you and draws you on so that you may forsake all things to be united with Jesus alone.
–Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
