The reason why sometimes you have asked and not received, is because you have asked amiss, either inconsistently, or lightly, or because you have asked for what was not good for you, or because you have ceased asking.
— Saint Basil the Great (330-379)
When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.
–Saint Francis de Sales, (1567-1622)
Kneeling before the tabernacle, I can think of only one thing to say to our Lord: ‘My God, you know that I love You.’ And I feel that my prayer does not weary Jesus; knowing my weakness, He is satisfied with my good will.
–Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897
Good friends find pleasure in one another’s company. Let us know pleasure in the company of our best Friend, a Friend who can do everything for us, a friend who loves us beyond measure. Here in the Blessed Sacrament we can talk to him straight from the heart. We can open our souls to him, tell him what we need, beg him for powerful graces. We are perfectly free to approach the King of the universe with full confidence and without fear.
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Gently recall your mind when it wanders . . . unceasingly gather up again your scattered spirit. Turn your inward eye once more towards Him . . . persevere with an unconquered heart.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
As an audience maintains silence to hear better the voice of an orator, as music lovers keep silence during a symphony to admire its artistic beauty, so the silence of contemplation is nothing other than the indispensable condition for hearing the voice of God and addressing to Him our heartfelt words.
–Luis M. Martinez (1881-1956)
