"We know by a kind of instinct
that peace lies
in the heart of darkness,
in the wilderness of soul.
Something prompts us to keep still,
to trust in God,
to be quiet and to listen
for God's voice."
from New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton (1915-1968)

"Many souls become addicted to the spiritual sweetness of the devotional life...The problem is this: when they have received no pleasure for their devotions, they think that they have not accomplished anything. This is a grave error, and it judges God unfairly. For the truth is that the feelings we receive from our devotional life are the least of its benefits. The invisible and unfelt grace of God is much greater, and it is beyond our comprehension...

God perceives the imperfections within us, and because of his love for us, urges us to grow up. His love is not content to leave us in our weakness, and for this reason he takes us into a dark night...True spirituality consists in perseverance, patience and humility. The Lord heals such souls through the aridity of the dark night."
from The Dark Night of the Soul, John of the Cross (1542-1591)

You give us shelter in the wilderness and show us where to find a way.
Hear us as we cry out, O God.
after Psalm 27