Prayer is never more perfect than when it ascends from the very depth and essence of the soul; we pray, then, in the spirit of God. This is a sublime language, but when God wills, He makes even the stones speak. Let the sovereign God reign in your spirit; there ought to be a reciprocal repose: God in you, and you in God. O sweet, O divine operation!
–Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)
Accustom yourself gradually to carry prayer into all your daily occupation — speak, act, work in peace, as if you were in prayer, as indeed you ought to be.
–François Fénèlon (1651-1715)
If God is to speak His word to the soul, it must be still and at peace. And then He will speak His word and give Himself to the soul, and not as a mere idea, apart from Himself.
–Meister Eckhart (1260-1328
Prayer ought to be humble, fervent, resigned, persevering, and accompanied with great reverence. One should consider that he stands in the presence of a God, and speaks with a Lord before whom the angels tremble from awe and fear.
–Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi (1566-1607)
We say “Hallowed be Your name” not that we wish for God that He may be hallowed by our prayers, but that we beseech of Him that His name may be hallowed in us.
–Saint Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258)
If the heart does not pray, the tongue works in vain.
–Saint Thomas of Cori (1655-1729)
