John Chrysostom (347-407), Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Prayer (why), Quote Author, Quote Topic
Our spirit should be quick to reach out toward God, not only when it is engaged in meditation; at other times also, when it is carrying out its duties, caring for the needy, performing works of charity, giving generously in the service of others, our spirit should long for God and call him to mind, so that these works may be seasoned with the salt of God’s love, and so make a palatable offering to the Lord of the universe. Throughout the whole of our lives we may enjoy the benefit that comes from prayer if we devote a great deal of time to it.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
John Chrysostom (347-407), Page: Quotes, Prayer (what), Quote Author, Quote Topic
Prayer is the light of the spirit, true knowledge of God, mediating between God and man. The spirit, raised up to heaven by prayer, clings to God with the utmost tenderness; like a child crying tearfully for its mother, it craves the milk that God provides. It seeks the satisfaction of its own desires, and receives gifts outweighing the whole world of nature. Prayer stands before God as an honored ambassador. It gives joy to the spirit, peace to the heart. I speak of prayer, not words. It is the longing for God, love too deep for words, a gift not given by man but by God’s grace.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
John Chrysostom (347-407), Page: Quotes, Prayer (what), Quote Author, Quote Topic
Practice prayer from the beginning. Paint your house with the colors of modesty and humility. Make it radiant with the light of justice. Decorate it with the finest gold leaf of good deeds. Adorn it with the walls and stones of faith and generosity. Crown it with the pinnacle of prayer. In this way you will make it a perfect dwelling place for the Lord. You will be able to receive him as in a splendid palace, and through his grace you will already possess him, his image enthroned in the temple of your spirit.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
John Chrysostom (347-407), Love, Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic
God loves us more than a father, mother, friend, or any else could love, and even more than we are able to love ourselves.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
John Chrysostom (347-407), Page: Quotes, Quote Author
What prayer could be more true before God the Father than that which the Son, who is Truth, uttered with His own lips?
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
John Chrysostom (347-407), Page: Quotes, Quote Author
Nothing is more powerful than meekness. For as fire is extinguished by water, so a mind inflated by anger is subdued by meekness. By meekness we practice and make known our virtue, and also cause the indignation of our brother to cease, and deliver his mind from perturbation.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
