The more a soul is dependent on grace, the higher the perfection to which it aspires. The grace of God is the more needful for each moment, as without it the soul can do nothing. The world, the flesh, and the devil join forces and assault the soul so untiringly that, without humble reliance on the ever-present aid of God, they drag the soul down in spite of all resistance. Thus to rely on God seems hard to nature, but grace makes it become easy, and brings with it joy.
BROTHER LAWRENCE OF THE RESURRECTION The Practice of the Presence of God