When you call on God’s name you weaken your enemies.
Knowing this, do not cease to call on God’s name for help.
That is what prayer is.

 
'The Way of a Pilgrim', 19th century

Prayer is the longing for God,
love too deep for words;
a gift not given by man but by God’s grace.

 
St. John Chrysostom, 4th century

The most potent and acceptable prayer
is the prayer that leaves the best effects:
those followed up by actions,
when one not only desires the honor of God,
but really strives for it.

 
St. Teresa of Avila, 16th century

The fruit of prayer is a deepening of faith,
the fruit of faith is a deepening of love,
the fruit of love is service,
and the fruit of service is peace.

 
Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, 20th century

It gives more praise to God
and more delight if we pray steadfastly in love,
trusting in his goodness, clinging to him by grace,
than if we ask for everything our thoughts can name.

 
Bl. Julian of Norwich, 14th century

We must follow his example
if we are to preserve and strengthen our faith...
to keep constantly before our minds the fact
that our whole life is from God and going to God.

 
Fr. Walter Ciszek, prisoner 23yrs in Russia; 20th century

Learn to pray to God in such a way
that you are trusting him as your Physician.
Confess to him the disease and let him choose the remedy.

 
St. Augustine, 5th century

By room you must understand,
not a room enclosed by walls but the room which is within you,
the room where you hide your thoughts, where you keep your affections.
This room of prayer is always with you wherever you are,
it is always a secret room where only God can see you.

 
St. Ambrose, 4th century