During this Lenten season we Christians are called by the Lord to deepen our love for him in prayer. But what is prayer and how do we pray? I offer you some insights into prayer by some experts in the spiritual life who now behold the face of God in heaven.
“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” – St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
“To pray means to think lovingly about Jesus. Prayer is the soul’s attention that is concentrated on Jesus. The more you love Jesus, the better you pray.” – Blessed Charles De Foulcauld (1858-1916)
“If you would really pray to him for conversion, it would be granted to you.” – St. John Vianney (1786-1859)
“The Rosary is my favorite prayer. A marvelous prayer! Marvelous in its simplicity and depth … Against the background of the words Ave Maria the principal events of the life of Jesus Christ pass before the eyes of our soul…At the same time our heart can embrace in the decades of the Rosary all the events that make up the lives of individuals, families, nations, the Church, and all mankind: our personal concerns and those of our neighbor, especially those who are closest to us, who are dearest to us. Thus the simple prayer of the Rosary marks the rhythm of human life.” – Blessed John Paul II (1920-2005)
“Prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.” – St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
“Above all, the Gospels sustain me during my hours of prayer; in them I find everything that my poor little soul needs. I constantly discover in them new insights, hidden mysterious meanings.” – St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
“If you are seeking God but do not know how you should begin, learn to pray and make the effort to pray every day.” – Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)