The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our minds. We have what we seek, it is there all the time, and if we give it time, it will make itself known to us. We do not want to be beginners [at prayer]. But let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything but beginners, all our life! Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening, being attentive requires a lot of courage and know-how. If our life is poured out in useless words, we will never hear anything, never become anything, and in the end, because we have said everything before we had anything to say, we shall be left speechless at the moment of our greatest decision.

(Thoughts in Solitude)