“In fact, a saint is not one who carries out great feats based on the excellence of his human qualities, but one who allows Christ to penetrate their soul, to act through their person, He being the real protagonistof all their actions and desires, who inspires every initiative and sustains every silence. To let oneself be led by Christ in this way is possible only for one who has an intense life of prayer.“ Pope Benedict XV . . St. Thérèse’s thoughts on prayer help clarify; intense prayer does not mean OUR efforts are intense. No, it is God’s efforts in us that are intense. In fact, sometimes the most intense prayer times are when we are SLEEPING because then we do not get in the way while God works in us. . “I should be distressed that I drop off to sleep during my prayers and during my thanksgiving after Holy Communion. But I don’t feel at all distressed. I know that children are just as dear to their parents whether they are asleep or awake and I know that doctors put their patients to sleep before they operate. So I just think that God ‘knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.’”
St. Thérèse understood and embraced a spirituality that is similar to mine. Life in Christ is all about surrender, letting go of control, giving God permission to act through us. We are simply the aqueduct or pipe which the Spirit flows through. It is child’s play.
Matthew 18:3: and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
joy of nine9 
Amen! I love this Melanie! Another great one! I received a special grace from this upon reading it. A little confirmation of the Holy Spirit. My prayers regarding an issue this morning at only one response, “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.” The issue has me in a torment within. I have been struggling with it in the worst of ways. After prayer, I decided to let the issue alone and check my google account. This post came up immediately. St. Therese has always planted me in the soil that brings me back and allows me to ,”let go.” But, I am ashamed to say that I am infamous for trying to “Take the wheel” instead of allowing Jesus to “Take the wheel.” I run into much trials when I try to steer the wheel. By now, I should have completely surrendered. A complete abandonment to Divine Providence takes many years on the spiritual journey for some,especially myself. I have been slowly making progress. But, I am facing trials far beyond what I have the power to control. And, finding this wonderful blog that confirmed the answers to my prayers is one of those spiritual comforts Our Lord permits when we are in most need of it. Thank you for your faith and writings which are always a light of Hope. Peace be with you and the Grace of God!
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Isn’t God wonderful?… He uses everything and anyone to comfort us. I speak from the experience of a controller…not out of arogance but tnsion and holding tight out of fear. It has been a LONG journey of letting go 1,000 times. You are in my heart and prayers.
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Thank you melanie for the prayers. God bless you!
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You’re right God will fill us with the Holy Spirit when we yield ourselves to Him. The quotes by and about Saint Therese are wonderful. God thank You for Saint Therese.
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🙂
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Isso foi tão essencial pra mim que resolvi grafar este cláusula de hoje em dia,
por me sentir na obrigação de compartilhar isso com você e também fazer a minha parte em tentar
livramento ajudar a dar um salto exponêncial na procura do seu sonho de boa forma.
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