Saint Anselm of Canterbury (c. 1033—1109)

Proslogion, Chapter 1,

“In which the mind is aroused to the contemplation of God”

Come now, little one,

turn aside for a while from your daily preoccupation,

escape for a moment from the tumult of your thoughts.

Put aside your weighty cares,

let your burdensome distractions wait,

free yourself awhile for God,

and rest awhile in him.

Enter the inner chamber of your soul,

shut out everything except God

and that which can help you in seeking him,

and when you have shut the door, seek him.

Now, my whole heart, say to God,

‘I seek your face,

Lord, it is your face I seek.’

The Prayers and Meditations of St Anselm

Sister Benedicta Ward, trans. [slightly adapted]

Penguin Classics