In tribulation draw near…
In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Vocal prayer consists…
Vocal prayer consists in making use of a ready-made formula of words provided for us, trying to mean what we say.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
By prayer we speak to God…
To the extent that prayer is a colloquy, discussion, or conversation of the soul with God, then by prayer we speak to God and God in turn speaks to us. We aspire to God and breathe in God; God reciprocally inspires us and breathes upon us.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Continue to trust in God…
Continue to trust in God. Do you think that the God who takes care to provide food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth – which neither sow nor reap – will ever forget to provide all that is necessary for the one who trusts wholly in His Providence, seeing that we are capable of being united to God, our sovereign good?
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
A large heart…
We must have a large heart toward our neighbor, which means in affection, love and help, being ever ready to serve, to assist, to comfort, bear with and support in every way in our power, but cheerfully and cordially. A large heart is a heart ready for all sorts of inconveniences, an open heart that loves before all things the will of God.
–Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)
The Prayer of Jesus…
The Prayer of Jesus is said like this: Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Originally it was said without the addition of the word sinner: this word was added to the other words of the prayer later. This word, remarks Saint Nil Sorsky, which implies a consciousness and confession of the fall, is fitting for us and pleasing to God who has commanded us to offer prayers in acknowledgement and confession of our sinfulness.
–Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov (1807-1867)
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