The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
Prayer covers the whole of man's life. There is no thought, feeling, yearning, or desire, however low, trifling, or vulgar we may deem it, which if it affects our real interest or happiness, we may not lay before God and be sure of sympathy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that all aspects of human experience can be shared with God through prayer.
Henry Ward Beecher emphasizes the comprehensive nature of prayer, indicating that every thought, feeling, or desire, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, can be brought before God. This highlights the belief that God offers sympathy and understanding for all human experiences, reinforcing the idea that nothing is too trivial when it comes to seeking divine connection and support.
Themes
PrayerLifeGodSympathyHuman Experience
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about the importance of prayer in everyday life.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes →A man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
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No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
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We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
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No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
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There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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