Some thoughts on Prayer

To clasp one’s hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world. - Karl Barth

The effect of prayer is union with God, and if someone is with God, he is separated from the enemy. Through prayer we guard our chastity, control our temper, and rid ourselves of vanity. It makes us forget injuries, overcomes envy, defeats injustice, and makes amends for sin. Through prayer we obtain physical well-being, a happy home, and a strong, well-ordered society. Prayer shields the wayfarer, protects the sleeper, and gives courage to those who keep vigil. It will refresh you when you are weary and comfort you when you are sorrowful. Prayer is the delight of the joyful as well as the solace of the afflicted. Prayer is intimacy with God and contemplation of the invisible. It is joy in things of the present, and the substance of things to come. - Gregory of Nyssa

Prayer at an early hour decides over the day. Wasted time of which we are later ashamed; temptations we yield to; weaknesses; lethargy in our work; disorder and lack of discipline in our thoughts and in our interaction with others—all these frequently have their root in neglecting prayer in the morning. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Young man, be not forgetful of prayer. Remember, every day and whenever you can, to repeat to yourself, “Lord, have mercy on all who appear before Thee today.” For every hour and every moment thousands of men leave life on this earth, and their souls appear before God. And how many of them depart in solitude; unknown, sad, dejected because no one mourns for them or even knows whether they have lived or not? Behold, from the other end of the earth, perhaps, your prayer for their rest will rise up to God, though you knew them not nor they you. How must it feel to a soul standing in dread before the Lord to sense at such an instant that for him too there is one to pray, that there is a fellow creature left on earth to love him too? God will look on you both more graciously, for if you have had pity on him, how much more will He have pity, who is infinitely more loving and merciful than you? And He will forgive him for your sake. - Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

Pray, even if you feel nothing, see nothing. For when you are dry, empty, sick, or weak, at such a time is your prayer most pleasing to God, even though you may find little joy in it. This is true of all believing prayer. - Dame Julian of Norwich