I do not advise you to resort to many words in prayer. Spoken language often leads to distraction. Conduct yourself in prayer before God like a poor mute and crippled beggar at the door of a rich man. Let your deepest desire be to keep your thoughts in God's presence. When they scatter and turn away from God, do not be too troubled by it. Anger and anxiety tend to distract our thinking rather than focus it. The will must bring the mind back to its proper calm position. If you strive like this with constant effort, God will certainly make you feel His closeness.
(St. Lawrence of the Resurrection, correspondence, letter no. 9)
