It must be manifest to all who take any note of their own hearts and conduct, that there is a great and grievous inconsistency between their public walk, and their private devotion. Few are in the world, what they are in their secret chambers. In these, they get near to Jesus. They find it good to be there. They are willing at times to say, I am ready to go with thee to prison and to death. But scarcely are they come abroad, entered into company, engaged in business, than they seem to be removed to a distance from their Saviour; at best, they follow afar off. What is the cause of this? It is in a great measure want of recollection. Prayer is to some a regular act at certain times, not the habit of the soul. We do not carry a spirit of watchfulness and supplication into the ordinary concerns of life; we are not sufficiently careful to keep in public and outward life, the advantages we have gained in private. Nor is it easy; for if the spirit is willing the flesh is weak. Let this lead you to frequently lift up your hearts to the Lord, even amid your worldly occupations. Let me advise you to pause, if it be but for a few moments, to breathe out a prayer to Him, who alone is able to keep you from falling. One mainspring of a true Christian life is the habit of returning to Jesus, by frequent and short intervals. Do not fret and be disquieted, when you have wandered from the Saviour's feet, as though it were a vain attempt on your part to keep there, but calmly and humbly resume your place, trusting in Him to receive and keep you. But be not one person in your chamber, or in church; and another in your family, your work, or your shop, and with your friends.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp