A House of Prayer

"Let there always be quiet, dark churches in which

men can take refuge. Places where they can kneel

in silence. Houses of God, filled with His silent

presence. There, even when they do not know how

to pray, at least they can be still and breathe

easily. Let there be a place somewhere in which

you can breathe naturally, quietly, and not have to

take your breath in continuous short gasps. A

place where your mind can be idle, and forget its

concerns, descend into silence, and worship the

Father in secret."

(Thomas Merton)