What is prayer and what is its effect

By reason of its nature, prayer is the colloquy and union between us and God. By reason of its effect, it sustains the world and brings about reconciliation with God. It’s both the mother and the daughter of tears, the propitiation for sins, a bridge over temptations, a wall against afflictions, the eradication of conflicts, the task of the angels and the food of all spiritual beings.

Based on St. John of the Ladder
