November 17

“Prayer is surely not asking God to love people and do them good because we love them better than He does; but offering ourselves as sacrifices to Him, that He may fill us with His love, and send us on His errands.”

F. D. MAURICE

“Perfect prayer consists not in the multitude of words, but in the strength of the desire which raises the soul towards God. Every Christian ought to contribute towards the salvation of souls, according as they are inspired by a holy desire. Everything which is said and done for the salvation of humanity is a continual prayer, but a prayer which does not exempt us from the use of mental and vocal prayer at certain times. All that is done for the love of God and our neighbour, all, it may be added, which is done for ourselves also, with a just and right aim, may be called prayer, for those never cease to pray who never cease to do good. Love for our fellow-creatures is a constant prayer.”

From Life of Catherine of Siena