Aelred of Rievaulx
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On Prayer for the WorldWhat is more useful than prayer? Give generously of this. What is more human that love? This also give. Enclose the whole world in the embrace of your love. There attend to the good and rejoice with them and look upon the evil and grieve. See those who are troubled and oppressed and have compassion. To your soul's outreach let the misery of the poor come running, the crying of orphans, the bereavement of widows, the vows of virgins, the dangers of those at sea, the temptations of monks, the cares of superiors and the labors of those at war. Open the bosom of your heart to all of these, for them let your tears flow, for them pour out your prayers.
Rule for a Recluse, 28
