I do a great wrong in His sight, when I beseech Him that He will hear my prayer, which as I give utterance to it, I do not hear myself. I entreat Him that He will think of me; but I regard neither myself nor Him. Nay, what is worse, turning over corrupt and evil thoughts in mine heart, I thrust a dreadful offensiveness into His presence.
Bernard of ClairvauxLet your prayer for temporal blessings be strictly limited to things absolutely necessary.
Bernard of ClairvauxA truly obedient man does not discriminate between one thing and another, since his only aim is to execute faithfully whatever may be assigned to him.
Bernard of Clairvaux