Be completely simple…
Let your prayer be completely simple. For both the publican and the prodigal son were reconciled to God by a single phrase.
–Saint John Climacus (c. 525-606)
Christ’s holy name…
The more rain falls on the earth, the softer it makes it. Similarly, Christ’s holy name gladdens the earth of our heart the more we call upon it.
–Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem (Fifth Century)
Prayer ought to be…
Prayer ought to be short and pure, unless it be prolonged by the inspiration of divine grace.
–Saint Benedict (480-547)
Cast out every sinful thought…
Since prayer is an association of the mind with God, then in what state must the mind possibly be, in order to be able, without turning elsewhere, to approach its Lord and converse with Him without the mediation of something else? If Moses in his attempt to approach the burning bush was hindered until he had removed the sandals from his feet, then shouldn’t you who desires to see God and converse with Him, remove and cast out of you every sinful thought?
–Saint Nilus of Sinai (d. 430)
Render your mind…
Strive to render your mind deaf and dumb at the time or prayer and then you will be able to pray.
–The Desert Fathers (and Mothers)
Why pray to saints…
You say you see no reason why we should pray to the Saints since God can hear us and help us just as well, and will do so gladly, as any Saint in Heaven. Well, then, what need, I ask, do you have to ask any physician to help your fever, or to ask and pay any surgeon to heal your sore leg? For God can both hear you and help you as well as the best of doctors. He loves you more than they do, and He can help you sooner. Besides—–His poultices are cheaper and He will give you more for your words alone than they will for your money!
–Saint Thomas More (1478-1535)
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