It is a great good to be given over to the will of God. Then the Lord alone is in the soul, and no other thought, and she prays to God with a pure mind. When the soul is entirely given over to the will of God, then the Lord Himself begins to guide her, and the soul learns directly from God .
–Saint Silouan the Athonite (1866-1938)
Don’t worry about anything that’s going on in this world. Concern yourself with the next. In all of your difficulties and fears, turn to your good Jesus. He will help you and inspire you as to what you should do. He will give you strength and all the other virtues you need as well. Therefore, be happy and filled with confidence wherever Our Lord places you and however He wants you.
–Blessed Luisitia Josefa (1866-1937)
Truly believe, with the faith which knows that nothing is impossible, which makes words like worry, danger or fear, lose all meaning.
–Blessed Charles De Foucauld (1858-1916)
[E]very tree each summer unfailingly puts forth at least one shoot of considerable size, and unfailingly grows in height and dimension. It seems as though every tree tries each year to advance by the strength that God has given it; therefore, say to yourself, ‘I, too, must each day, each year, absolutely grow higher and higher morally, better and better, more and more perfect; must advance on the road to the Kingdom of Heaven, or to the Father which is in Heaven, through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Spirit dwelling and working within me.’
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)
Why is it, you ask, that one can pray for so many years with a prayer book, and still not have prayer in his heart? I think the reason is that people only spend a little time lifting themselves up to God when they complete their prayer rule, and in other times, they do not remember God. For example, they finish their morning prayers, and think that their relation to God is fulfilled by them; then the whole day passes in work, and such a person does not attend to God.
— Saint Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894)
Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart’s desire.
–Saint Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894)
