It is not necessary for being with God to be always at church. We may make an oratory of our heart wherein to retire from time to time to converse with Him in meekness, humility, and love. Every one is capable of such familiar conversation with God, some more, some less. He knows what we can do.
–Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
So why do you still remain in yourself where you cannot stay? Cast yourself, all of yourself, with confidence into God and he will sustain you, heal you and make you safe.
— Saint Albert the Great (c. 1206-1280)
The heart itself is only a small vessel, yet dragons are there, and lions; there are poisonous beasts and all the treasures of evil; there are rough and uneven roads; there are precipices; but there, too, are God and the angels; life is there, and the Kingdom; there, too, is light, and heavenly cities, and treasures of grace. All things lie within that little space.
–Saint Macarius the Great (c. 300-391)
Let every Christian scrutinize himself, and search severely into his inmost heart: let him see that no discord cling there, no wrong desire be harbored.
–Saint Leo the Great (c. 400-461)
Were you to simply remain in God’s presence, that would be a great help to you, supporting you in your troubles and helping you to bear them patiently. Be sure that God is more ready than ever to welcome you into his arms, and that as your distress increases so does his mercy towards you increase and abound.
–Saint John Baptist de la Salle (1651-1719)
God is in the midst of us, or rather we are in the midst of him; wherever we are he sees us and touches us: at prayer, at work, at table, at recreation.
–Saint Claude de la Colombiere (1641-1682)
