What does Saint Anthony teach about prayer?
In his Sermones we find some quick passages, simple and evocative, which help us to better understand this important dimension of Christian life.
Saint Anthony insists on the importance of detachment from the bustle of daily life, of calm, solitude, silence, which alone allow us to listen to and see God.
Between the lines of these teachings we can glimpse an unintentional self-portrait of Saint Anthony, who we know loved silence and prayer
Prayer is the directing of our love towards God; it is a devout and friendly conversation with Him. It is tranquillity of mind enlightened from above.
Prayer is also asking for the material things that are necessary for this earthly life. But those who pray ask the Lord with an authentic Christian spirit to accept His will over their own: only the Heavenly Father knows what we truly need on this earth.
Lastly, prayer is thanking, or recognizing benefits received, and offering all our resolution to God, so that our prayer might become permanent."
"The Lord manifests Himself to those who stop for some time in peace and humility of heart. If you look in murky and turbulent waters, you cannot see the reflection of your face. If you want to see the face of Christ, stop and collect your thoughts in silence, and close the door of your soul to the noise of external things.
The greeting of angels and the blessing of God are not for those who live in the public square, meaning outside themselves, agitated and distracted. The sweet greeting "Hail" was directed at the Virgin Mary when she was absorbed in prayer, in the reserved atmosphere of her home. God, to be able to speak to the soul and to fill it with the understanding of His love, leads it into solitude, detaching it from the worries of worldly things. He speaks to the ear of those who are in silence, and He communicates His secrets to them."
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