Prayer of the Heart

We make our recollection in God because we long for him, and we long for him so that we may be recollected – so the one helps the other, and both arise from holy thoughts. You should therefore seek after God by short but ardent efforts of your heart.

Wonder at his beauty, invoke his aid, cast yourself in spirit at he foot of the cross, adore his goodness, speak frequently to him about your salvation; hold out your hand to him as a child to his father, that he may guide you in every way excite your heart to the love of God.

This prayer is not difficult to practice. It can be interwoven with all our business and occupations without hindering them in the slightest degree. Indeed, out external pursuits are helped rather than hindered by our recollection and short ejaculations from the heart.

There are many useful collections of short vocal prayers, but I advise you not to confine yourself to any formal words. It is better to use those which are prompted by the feelings of your heart, as you need them. They will never fail you. But some surpass others, like the various invocations of the name of Jesus.

Saint Francis De Sales.