Prayer - Its Nature and Action

Prayer by its nature is communion and union of man with God; by its action it is...

the reconciliation of man with God,

the mother and daughter of tears,

a bridge for crossing temptations,

a wall of protection from afflictions,

a crushing of conflicts,

boundless activity,

the spring of virtues,

the source of spiritual gifts,

invisible progress,

food of the soul,

the enlightening of the mind,

an axe for despair,

a demonstration of hope,

release from sorrow,

the wealth of monks.

- Abba Agathon, Patriarch of Alexandria, 7th century