Anyone possessed with his five senses should blush with shame
if he did not begin the day with a psalm.
Even the tiniest of birds open and close the day
with sweet songs of holy devotion.

 
St. Ambrose, 4th century

To sing is to pray twice.

 
St. Augustine, 5th century

Ask for great things
and the little things shall be added unto you.
Ask for heavenly things and the earthly things
shall be added unto you.

 
Origen, 3rd century

Life is passing, eternity draws near.
Soon we shall live the very life of God.
After having drunk deep at the fount of bitterness,
our thirst will be quenched at the very source
of all sweetness.

 
St. Therese of Lisieux, 19th century

Contemplation
is to allow Jesus to live his passion,
his love, his humility in us.

 
Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, 20th century

Prayer is nothing else
than being on terms of friendship with God.

 
St. Teresa of Avila, 16th century

At the time of prayer,
let the heart be closed against the adversary
and open to God alone.

 
St. Cyprian, 3rd century

We must pray without ceasing
in every occurrence
and employment of our lives, that prayer,
which is rather a habit of lifting our heart to God.

 
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 19th century