Extracts from the Dux Spiritualis by the Venerable Louis de Ponte SJ
Lastly, this gift of prayer, says St John Chrysostom [Liber 2 de orando Deum], is of such surpassing excellence that it far exceeds our powers, nor can we even begin to speak with God unless the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts to assist us.
Men may write many books and lay down a multitude of rules, but it will all be of little use unless this Divine Spirit take upon Himself the office of Master and Helper in this noble work.
Be constant in thy prayer, says St John Climacus [Gradu 29], and thou shalt have God as thy Master and Director.
For just as no-one can teach in words how we see with our eyes, since we do it quite naturally and without reflection: in like manner, no one can learn from the doctrine of another the beauty and excellence of prayer.
For prayer contains in itself, in a manner of speaking, its Master, God, who teacheth man knowledge [Psalm xciii, 10] and grants the gift of prayer to him who prays.
As we cannot see without eyes: neither can anyone pray worthily without the spirit of prayer.
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