Blog Posts

The Utility of Prayer

We have seen that between the two expressions of love there is an interdependence and a reciprocal action. If there is no perfect prayer without the virtues, there are no perfect virtues without the interior life. The contemplative life is necessary for the perfection of the active life. For that reason St. Augustine could write: “That man has learned to live...

The Primacy Of Prayer

The truth is that we are made primarily for prayer — provided we give the word its complete meaning which is one that far surpasses the simple prayer of petition. Prayer is the raising of the mind to God and the union of the soul with God. Of all our human actions it is the most important and should take precedence over all others. Prayer alone gives our entire soul...

Underrating Prayer

General Considerations Underrating Prayer Activism It is surprising how little men pray and how poorly they pray. Although they are children of God, they spend the best part of their life ignoring God. At most they give Him an occasional thought now and then or make some selfish appeal to him. This is one of the most evident proofs of our fallen state. What are the...

The Art Of Prayer: Foreward

This is not a book to be read hastily, but rather an aid to action. It was not undertaken with the idea that the reader skim through it in one reading. Rather, it should be carried over into life. Sincere readers who wish to practice the art of prayer correctly should, as the reading progresses, apply it to themselves. To be acceptable for publication, the book had...

The Sixth Mansions Chapter 1 The Saint Shows How When Our Lord Begins To Bestow Greater Favours, The Come Greater Troubles Also – Some Of These Mentions, Etc.

Let us now speak, by the assistance of the Holy Ghost, concerning the “Sixth Mansions,” wherein the soul remains wounded with the love of her spouse, and aspires more after solitude, removing (as far as her state allows) whatever may disturb this solitude. That internal vision is so imprinted in the soul, that all her desire is to enjoy it again. I have...

The Fifth Mansions Chapter 4 The Saint Continues The Same Subject, And Enters Into Some Further Explanations Of Prayer

You seem to me to be desirous of knowing what has become of this little dove, and where she rests, since I told you that she does not rest in spiritual delights, nor in worldly pleasures, but flies higher. But I cannot satisfy your desires till I come to the last Mansion. God grant I may remember (what I have to say), and have leisure to write it; for it is now five...