It is best for us so not to attempt to rise by its own efforts. If the well is dry, we are not able to put water into it. Pay attention to this. If the soul tries to go forward it may actually go backward. The foundation for prayer is humility. The nearer we come to God, the more you humility we need. There is a kind of pride that makes us want to be more spiritual. God is already doing more for us than we deserve.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
The trouble with nearly everybody who prays is that we say “Amen” and run away before God has a chance to reply. Listening to God is far more important than giving Him your ideas.
–Frank Laubach (1884-1970)
Our Lord loves you and loves you tenderly; and if He does not let you feel the sweetness of His love, it is to make you more humble and abject in your own eyes.
–Saint Pio (1887-1968)
If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer. Do not become upset or feel guilty because you interrupted your prayer to serve the poor. God is not neglected if you leave him for such service. One of God’s works is merely interrupted so that another can be carried out.
–Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
Success and dryness are equally dangerous to those who are given to prayer: the one tends to make the mind swell with pride, the other provokes it to boredom.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
It can happen that when we are at prayer someone comes to see us. Then we have to choose, either to interrupt our prayer or to sadden our visitor by refusing to communicate. But love is greater than prayer. Prayer is one virtue amongst others, whereas love contains them all.
–Saint John Climacus (c. 525-606)
