The psalms have…

John of Kronstadt (1829-1908), Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Quote Author, Quote Topic

The psalms have also a wonderful power to awaken in our hearts the desire for every virtue. Athanasius says: ‘Though all Scripture, both old and new, is divinely inspired and has its use in teaching, as we read in Scripture itself, yet the Book of Psalms, like a garden enclosing the fruits of all the other books, produces its fruits in song, and in the process of singing brings forth its own special fruits to take their place beside them.’ In the same place Athanasius rightly adds: ‘The psalms seem to me to be like a mirror, in which the person using them can see himself, and the stirrings of his own heart; he can recite them against the background of his own emotions.’
–Saint Pius X (1835-1914)

Add to our existence…

Detachment, John of Kronstadt (1829-1908), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic

For what purpose does the Lord add day after day, year after year, to our existence? In order that we may gradually put away, cast aside, evil from our souls, each one his own, and acquire blessed simplicity; in order that we may become, for instance, gentle as lambs, simple as infants; in order that we may learn not to have the least attachment to earthly things, but like loving, simple children, may cling with all our hearts to God alone, and love Him with all our hearts, all our souls, all our strength, and all our thoughts, and our neighbor as ourselves.
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)

Advance on the road to Heaven…

John of Kronstadt (1829-1908), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)

[E]very tree each summer unfailingly puts forth at least one shoot of considerable size, and unfailingly grows in height and dimension. It seems as though every tree tries each year to advance by the strength that God has given it; therefore, say to yourself, ‘I, too, must each day, each year, absolutely grow higher and higher morally, better and better, more and more perfect; must advance on the road to the Kingdom of Heaven, or to the Father which is in Heaven, through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Spirit dwelling and working within me.’
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)