Pardon me also, and deal mercifully with me, as often as I…
““Pardon me also, and deal mercifully with me, as often as I think of anything besides You in prayer. For I confess truly that I am accustomed to be very much distracted. Very often I am not where bodily I stand or sit; rather, I am where my thoughts carry me. Where my thoughts are, there am I; and frequently my thoughts are where my love is. That which naturally delights, or is by habit pleasing, comes to me quickly. Hence You Who are Truth itself, have plainly said: 'For where your treasure is, there is your heart also.' If I love heaven, I think willingly of heavenly things. If I love the world, I rejoice at the happiness of the world and grieve at its troubles. If I love the flesh, I often imagine things that are carnal. If I love the spirit, I delight in thinking of spiritual matters. For whatever I love, I am willing to speak and hear about.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
One’s inner focus reflects the heart’s treasure; aligning thoughts with love for the divine, world, or self shapes character and actions.
In simple terms: Where thoughts go, the heart follows.
Key Takeaway
Align thoughts with what you truly love.
Themes
spirituality
self‑reflection
values
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- mindful meditation
- ethical decision‑making
- creative work
Key Concepts
Inner focus
love as guiding principle
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your heart truly treasure?
- How do your daily thoughts reveal your priorities?
A Different Perspective
Distractions can pull focus away from higher goals.