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)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Prayer (what), Quote Topic
True prayer is undistracted, prolonged, performed with a contrite heart an alert intellect. The vehicle of prayer is everywhere humility, and prayer is a manifestation of humility. For being conscious of our own weakness, we invoke the power of God.
–Saint Nektarios of Aegina (1846-1920)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Quote Author, Quote Topic, Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Much more is accomplished by a single word of the Our Father said, now and then, from our heart, than by the whole prayer repeated many times in haste and without attention.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Humility, Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Quote Author, Quote Topic, Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
My desire is to clearly describe matters related to prayer. This will be very difficult for the uninitiated to understand. It is best for us so not to attempt to rise by its own efforts. If the well is dry, we are not able to put water into it. Pay attention to this. If the soul tries to go forward it may actually go backward. The foundation for prayer is humility. The nearer we come to God, the more you humility we need. There is a kind of pride that makes us want to be more spiritual. God is already doing more for us than we deserve.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Quote Author, Quote Topic
In this way we do not force ourselves to speak to God, for we know that merely to remain close to him is as useful, nay, perhaps more useful to us, though it may be less to our liking. Therefore when you draw near to our Lord speak to him if you can; if you cannot, stay there, let him see you, and do not be anxious about anything else.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Cross, Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Quote Topic
It is very good and holy to consider the passion of our Lord, and to meditate on it, for by this sacred path we reach union with God. In this most holy school we learn true wisdom, for it was there that all the saints learned it.
–Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)
