Patristic Quote of the Day

What a man attentively thinks of at the time of prayer, dearest brethren, that he has set up as a kind of god in his heart, and he seems to keep it and worship it as his god and lord. This fact inspires in me unbearable pain and trembling, whenever a mind in the very act of prayer is carried away to various worldly occupations. The man seems to discuss one thing in words, but is clearly seen to be far away in thought, as though when we speak to God we should think of anything else except with our whole heart and soul and mind to ask for the forgiveness of our sins and His grace. -- St. Caesarius of Arles, Sermon 71