The exercises in this book are suitable even for those not accustomed to prayer

October 29, 2021 • 1 min

From Introduction to the Devout Life, page 283
By St. Francis de Sales

The world will perhaps say that I suppose, almost throughout the whole work, that Philothea has the gift of mental prayer; and yet, everyone has it not; so that this introduction will not serve for all.

I have thus presupposed, and it is no less true that everyone has it not; but it is also true that almost everyone, even the most dull, may have it, provided they have good guides, and are willing to take as much pains to obtain it as it deserves.

But even should there be some who have not this gift in the smallest degree, which I think can hardly be the case, a wise spiritual director will easily supply the defect, by teaching them to read, or to hear others read, the considerations included in the meditations, with profound and close attention.