The Importance of Attentiveness in Prayer

The Importance of Attentiveness in Prayer

Reflection: 2 Corinthians 7:14–15; Acts 6:4; 1 Corinthians 14:15; 1 Peter 3:12

God does not give ear to the prayer to which even he who prays gives no attention. This lack of attention but too often occurs with us through the temptation of the evil one. He knows well the utility of prayer; he envies us the privilege of being able to address ourselves to God, and therefore stirs up a tumult of thoughts in those that are at prayer so as to lead the mind off that holy exercise and rob it of its fruit. Against his malice we must practice constancy of will, so that the more he attacks us with troubling thoughts, so much the more stoutly must the soul stand fast in the faithful observance of its whole state of life.

Hugh of St. Victor (1096 – 1141)