Prayer and action, therefore, can never be seen as contradictory or mutually
exclusive. Prayer without action grows in powerless pietism, and action without
prayer degenerates into questionable manipulation. If prayer leads us into a
deeper unity with the compassionate Christ, it will always give rise to concrete
acts of service. And if concrete acts of service do indeed lead us to a deeper
solidarity with the poor, the hungry, the sick, the dying, and the oppressed,
they will always give rise to prayer. In prayer we meet Christ, and in him all
human suffering. In service we meet people, and in them the suffering Christ. -
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Prayer and action, therefore, can never be seen as contradictory or mutually
exclusive. Prayer without action grows in powerless pietism, and action without
prayer degenerates into questionable manipulation. If prayer leads us into a
deeper unity with the compassionate Christ, it will always give rise to concrete
acts of service. And if concrete acts of service do indeed lead us to a deeper
solidarity with the poor, the hungry, the sick, the dying, and the oppressed,
they will always give rise to prayer. In prayer we meet Christ, and in him all
human suffering. In service we meet people, and in them the suffering Christ. -
Henri J. M. Nouwen