Whatever a man prays for, he prays for a miracle. Every prayer reduces itself to this: “Great God, grant that twice two be not four.” – Ivan Turgenev
In days of doubt, in days of dreary musings on my countrys fate, you alone are my comfort and support, oh great, powerful, righteous, and free Russian language! – Ivan Turgenev
To desire and expect nothing for oneself and to have profound sympathy for others is genuine holiness. – Ivan Turgenev
Who among us has the strength to oppose petty egoism, those petty good feelings, pity and remorse? – Ivan Turgenev
There come times when I have nothing more to tell God. If I were to continue to pray in words, I would have to repeat what I have already said. At such times it is wonderful to say to God, “May I be in Thy presence, Lord? I have nothing more to say to Thee, but I do love to be in Thy presence.” – O.Hallesby