Our problem is that we assume prayer is something to master the way we master algebra or auto mechanics. But when praying, we come "underneath," where we calmly and deliberately surrender control and become incompetent.

The needed change within us is God's work, not ours. The demand is for an inside job, and only God can work from the inside. We cannot attain or earn this righteousness of the kingdom of God: it is a grace that is given.

The inner attitude of the heart is far more crucial than the mechanics for coming into the reality of the spiritual life.

Spiritual direction is an interpersonal relationship in which we learn how to grow, live, and love in the spiritual life.

If we truly love people, we will desire for them far more than it is within our power to give them, and this leads us to prayer.

When we determine to dwell on the good and excellent things in life, we will be so full of those things that they will tend to swallow our problems.

Inward solitude has outward manifestations. There is the freedom to be alone, not in order to be away from people but in order to hear the divine Whisper better.