“The potency of prayer has subdued the strength of fire; it has bridled the rage of lions, hushed anarchy to rest, extinguished wars, appeased the elements, expelled demons, burst the chains of death, expanded the gates of heaven, assuaged diseases, repelled frauds, rescued cities from destruction, stayed the sun in its course, and arrested the progress of the thunderbolt. Prayer is an all-efficient panoply, a treasure undiminished, a mine never exhausted, a sky unobscured by clouds, a haven unruffled by storm. It is the root, the fountain, and the mother of a thousand blessings.”

“I speak not of the prayer which is cold and feeble and devoid of zeal.  I speak of that which proceeds from a mind outstretched, the child of a contrite spirit, the offspring of a soul converted.  This is the prayer which mounts to heaven.”

[Chrysostom, 5th Century AD]