Devotion to the Saints: the thought of Padre Pio today August 6th

1. Prayer is the outpouring of our heart into that of God ... When it is done well, it moves the divine Heart and invites it more and more to grant us. We try to pour out our whole soul when we start to pray to God. He remains wrapped in our prayers to be able to come to our aid.

2. I want to be only a poor friar who prays!

3. Pray and hope; do not panic. Agitation is of no use. God is merciful and will listen to your prayer.

4. Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is a key that opens the heart of God. You must speak to Jesus also with the heart, as well as with the lip; indeed, in certain contingents, you must speak to him only from the heart.

5. Through the study of books one looks for God, with meditation one finds him.

6. Be assiduous in prayer and meditation. You have already told me that you have started. Oh, God this is great consolation for a father who loves you as much as his own soul! Continue to progress always in the holy exercise of love for God. Spin a few things every day: both at night, in the dim light of the lamp and between the impotence and sterility of the spirit; both during the day, in the joy and in the dazzling illumination of the soul.

7. If you can speak to the Lord in prayer, speak to him, praise him; if you cannot speak to be crude, do not be sorry, in the ways of the Lord, stop in your room like courtiers and make him reverence. He who sees, will appreciate your presence, will encourage your silence, and in another time you will be consoled when he takes you by the hand.