Prayer and communion are not to be made or desired for the sake of the devotion we feel in them, for that is seeking self, and not God; but we must be frequent in both the one and the other in order to become humble, obedient, gentle, and patient.
–Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
You desire the fire of your love to burn in us so that it sets us aflame, burns us up, and consumes what we are, transforming us into you.
–Saint John of Ávila (1500-1569)
Do not be surprised at your distractions and spiritual aridity. This derives partly from the senses and partly from your heart, which is not entirely under your control. But your courage, which God granted you, is irremovable and constantly determined. Therefore live tranquilly. You must not be anxious, however long this evil lasts.
–Saint Pio (1887-1968)
Souls that love God feel a strong attraction for solitude, for they know that God converses familiarly with those who shun the noise and distractions of the world… God speaks to the soul in solitude, and by his words the soul is inflamed with divine love: “My soul melted when my beloved spoke.” (Sgs 5:6)
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
One should nourish the soul with the word of God: for the word of God, as St. Gregory the Theologian says, is angelic bread, by which are nourished souls who hunger for God. Most of all, one should occupy oneself with reading the New Testament and the Psalter, which one should do standing up. From this there occurs an enlightenment in the mind, which is in the mind, which is changed by a Divine change.
–Saint Seraphim of Sarov (1754-1833)
When you read God’s Word, you must constantly be saying to yourself, “It is talking to me, and about me.”
— Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
