"The crisis of Israel is God's provision to wake the Church from its escapist sleep & unpreparedness. To compel it to return to the apostolic consciousness of the suffering that precedes the glory." (Art Katz, prophet & scholar, 1929-2007, Minnesota USA)
"Grace us, O Jesus, to have our eye on You, the One no eye can see; & so persevere, keep right on going." (Heb 11.27)
Image: 'The Disciples', Eugene Burnand.
"When you discuss or speak, nothing has any flavour for me, if I have not heard you resound the Name of Jesus." (Bernard of Clairvaux, contemplative father, 1090-1153, France)
"Lord Jesus you came to wear the crown of thorns. You must come again to wear the diadem of universal dominion." (Charles H. Spurgeon, revival-pastor, 1834-92, England)
"Be not forgetful of prayer. Every time you pray, if your prayer is sincere, there will be a new feeling & new meaning in it, which will give you fresh courage, & you will understand that prayer is an education." (Fyodor Dostoevsky, poet & prophet, 1821-81, Russia)
"O Jesus you are present among us who continue to labour despite our poverty; among us who quietly persevere, who no longer feel strong or successful or useful. You do not despise the weary labourer." (Charbel Abernethy, contemplative, Holy Transfiguration prayer house, USA)
"Elijah was someone just like you or me, with the same humanity & limitations & shortcomings. But he prayed with prayer. He lived to pray & prayed to live." (Jas 5.17-18)
"Let us fly to our Lord & we shall be comforted. Let us touch him & we shall be made clean. Let us cleave to him & we shall be safe & secure from all manner of peril." (Julian of Norwich, contemplative, 1373, England)
"O Jesus. I do not forget that you see me & watch me when I am in pain. You perceive even the beating of my heart. Consequently, you will not leave me without consolation & your fatherly protection." (Elder Ephraim, contemplative father, 1928-2019, Mt. Athos, Greece & USA)
"We cannot see the beauty of God unless we regard those sins (of others) with contrition, along with the sinners, with compassion on them, & with a holy longing for God on their behalf." (Julian of Norwich, contemplative, 1372, England)