Avoiding Outward Displays When Visited By God In Prayer

Statue of St. Francis in Contemplation just outside Assisi

If he was praying with the friars, Francis completely avoided all deep breathing and sighing, or any outward display, either because he loved to keep things to himself or because he had descended into the depths of his heart and was lost in God. He often said to his companions, "If a religious is visited by God in his prayer, he should say, 'Lord, you have sent this comfort from heaven even though I am a sinner and unworthy, and I entrust it to your keeping because I know that I only steal your treasures.' When he leaves his prayer, such a person should seem as much a sinner and worthy of contempt as if he had received no new favor."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

CHAPTER X

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