On Prayer

When we pray,

our words should be calm,

modest and disciplined.

Let us reflect

that we are standing before God.

We should please him

both by our bodily posture

and the manner of our speech.

It is characteristic of the vulgar

to shout and make a noise,

not those who are modest.

On the contrary,

they should employ a quiet tone

in their prayer.

--St. Cyprian