Genuine good taste consists in saying much in few words, in choosing among our thoughts, in having order and arrangement in what we say, and in speaking with composure.
Francois FenelonRead
True prayer is only another name for the love of God. Its excellence does not consist in the multitude of our words; for our Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him. The true prayer is that of the heart, and the heart prays only for what it desires. To pray, then is to desire -- but to desire what God would have us desire. He who asks what he does not from the bottom of his heart desire, is mistaken in thinking that he prays.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True prayer is heartfelt communication with God, not just a collection of words.
In this quote, Fenelon emphasizes that genuine prayer stems from the deep desires of the heart rather than mere verbal expressions. He argues that authentic communication with God involves aligning one's desires with what God intends for us, asserting that true prayer is rooted in love and sincerity, rather than quantity of words.
Themes
PrayerLoveHeartDesireGod
In practice
Example use cases
During a spiritual retreat, I shared this quote to encourage deeper connections with God in prayers.
More from Francois Fenelon
All quotes βThe greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.
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How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.
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If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
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If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the empire were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading I would spurn them all.
Francois FenelonRead
You can often help others more by correcting your own faults than theirs. Remember, and you should, because of your own experience, that allowing God to correct your faults is not easy. Be patient with people, wait for God to work with them as He wills.
Francois FenelonRead
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