The Way of a Pilgrim

I'm reading this book as part of my Lenten discipline. It is the story of an anonymous Russian pilgrim who travels throughout Russia studying the use of the Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Here is a small sampling of its wisdom:

"....secret prayer is found within the depths of each man and....it is carried on in the soul of itself; and any man who knows how to listen hears the soul's call to outward prayer."

"The nature of things is judged by the inner attitude of the soul; that is, one infers and makes judgements from where he is. He in whom prayer and love are real does not see dichotomy i things; he does not separate the saint from the sinner but loves all equally as God does."

"Of course God does not need prayer from us sinners, but in His love for us He likes to see us pray. Not only is the highest form of prayer....pleasing to Him....but even small acts done in His name are pleasing in His sight--every thought and intention directed to His glory and our salvation."

"On the scales of justice one short minute of calling on the name of Jesus Christ outweighed many hours lost in slothfulness."

I'll be sharing a few more as I finish it up. I find the accessability of it inspiring; the idea that you don't have to be a great saint to pray but that prayer is within each of our grasp.