John Vianney (1786-1859), Page: Quotes, Prayer (when), Prayer (why), Quote Author, Quote Topic
We can only find our happiness on earth in loving God, and we can only love Him in prayer to Him. We see that Jesus Christ, to encourage us often to have recourse to Him through prayer, promises never to refuse us anything if we pray for it as we should. But there is no need to go looking for elaborate and roundabout ways of showing you that we should pray often, for you have only to open your catechism and you will see there that the duty of every good Christian is to pray morning and evening and often during the day — that is to say, always.
–Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Prayer (problems), Quote Topic
When you get no consolation in prayer, when you feel you are getting nowhere, that may be the best prayer you have ever said, because you are doing it not for your sake, but for God’s. Always seek the God of consolation; never seek the consolations of God. It is always that way round.
–Basil Hume (1923-1999)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (problems), Quote Topic
The only “failure” in prayer is when we neglect it. The only “success” in prayer is the sense of God’s presence, or a deep peace and sense of well-being, a marvelous moment of inner freedom. When that comes, it is a special gift from God. We have no claim on it; we cannot demand it. Our part is to turn to him as best we can, trying to raise our minds and hearts to him.
–Basil Hume (1923-1999)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (problems), Quote Topic
Those who pray but accumulate sorrows and grudges inside them are likened to people who draw water from the well and empty it into a leaking container.
–Saint Nilus of Sinai (d. 430)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (answered), Quote Topic
Do not be sorrowed if you do not immediately receive from God that which you asked for, because He desires to benefit you even more, through your patient perseverance in prayer. What is there indeed more superior to associating with God and conversing with Him?
–Saint Nilus of Sinai (d. 430)
Detachment, Page: Quotes, Prayer (problems), Quote Topic
A bound person cannot run. Nor can the mind, which works like a slave for a certain passion, be able to offer a true prayer, because it is dragged around and wanders here and there on account of impassioned thoughts and cannot remain undisturbed. You will not be able to pray clearly if you are preoccupied with material things and are agitated by incessant cares, because prayer implies riddance of every care.
–Saint Nilus of Sinai (d. 430)
