Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.

 
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, 20th century

Prayer in nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends;
it means taking time to be alone with him
who we know loves us.

 
St. Teresa of Avila, 16th century

Lord,
grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
follow you more nearly.

 
'Spiritual Exercises'; St. Ignatius of Loyola, 16th century

Prayer in nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends;
it means taking time to be alone with him
whom we know loves us.

 
St. Teresa of Avila, 16th century

Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance,
it is laying hold of His willingness.

 
Julian of Norwich, 14th century

We must do our business faithfully, without trouble or disquiet,
recalling our mind to God meekly and with tranquility,
as often as we find it wandering from him.

 
'The Practice of the Presence of God', Br. Lawrence, 17th century

Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry,
a foundation for cheerfulness,
a source of constant happiness,
a protection against sadness.

 
St. John Chrysostom, 4th century

Prayer means trustingly opening our hearts to God,
affectionately conversing with Him,
presenting Him our needs,
and giving Him praise and thanks.

 
St. Anthony of Padua, 13th century