Discontent with this world gives such a painful longing to quit it that, if the heart finds comfort, it is solely from the thought that God wishes it to remain here in banishment.

I made you, dear, and all I make is perfect. Please come close, for I desire you.

May I not come before You with empty hands, since we are rewarded according to our deeds.

I don't know what heavy penance could have come to mind that frequently I would not have gladly undertaken rather than recollect myself in the practice of prayer.

Do not think you have gained a virtue unless you have first been tried by its opposite.

Before prayer, endeavour to realise Whose Presence you are approaching and to Whom you are about to speak, keeping in mind Whom you are addressing. If our lives were a thousand times as long as they are we should never fully understand how we ought to behave towards God, before Whom the very Angels tremble, Who can do all He wills, and with Whom to wish is to accomplish.

There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.