There is a value in repetition. When we repeat certain phrases and even actions like fingering prayer beads we create a quiet rhythm within our spirits. The beating of our heart is a repetition as is the rhythm of our breathing. All of life has its rhythms and the repetition of familiar prayers can bring our interior spirits into harmony with the Divine Heartbeat and the breathing of the Divine Christ.

God is the only one who listens to her... she is the prototype of the devout woman who perseveres in prayer convinced that it will be heard... How many favours each of us could tell of if we recalled with gratitude the gifts we have received in order to praise God for them

If there is one thought with regard to the Church of Christ which at times comes to me with overwhelming sorrow if there is one thought in regard to my own life of which I am ashamed if there is one thought of which I feel that the Church of Christ has not accepted it and not grasped it if there is one thought which makes me pray to God Oh teach us by Thy grace new thingsit is the wonderful power that prayer is meant to have in the kingdom. . . . And that is the law of the kingdomthe King upon the throne the servants upon the footstool.

We touch the last reality directly in prayer.

Man in his usual perversity turns the footstool into a throne from whence he would feign direct the Almighty as to what He ought to do giving the onlooker the impression that if God had half the compassion that those who pray have all would quickly be right

The act of praying is the very highest energy of which the human mind is capable praying that is with the total concentration of the faculties. The great mass of worldly men and of learned men are absolutely incapable of prayer.

Praying because youre afraid is not like praying because you have faith. Faith and fear never meet. If you are faithful and still feel scared its whether youre not praying right or not praying at all.

I write as far as I can tell because writing is a black sheep sibling of prayer an urgent struggle against a bad connection intent hopeful innocent never quite good enough.

Im convinced that one of the most powerful forces on earth is the prayer of a child.

On surviving on the raft for 47 days We had truly made it on a wing and prayer.