One of the most important questions we can ask in life is this: Is there a God? But another more important question is this: What is God like? These are two questions we have to ponder for a lifetime as life presents new experiences for us that can deepen, challenge, modify, or radically alter our previous answers. Fortunately we are not alone in our quest to know God. We can get help from countless individuals–living now and living long ago–who pondered these same questions. So, today I reached into my vast collection of quotes and looked under the heading “God.” It’s by far one of the topics that has the most entries. (Some of the other topics are love, Jesus, adversity, and humor) One criteron for choosing these quotes about God was brevity. Only one sentence… or two max.
I suggest you resist the temptation to read these quickly. Maybe you’d like to read them aloud and pause for a few moments. When you’re finished with all of them, you might want to go back and read again the ones that consoled you, disturbed you, or found you saying, “I really agree with that!” or “I never looked at God that way before.”
1) The door to God, the door to any grace is very little, very ordinary. Jessica Powers, Carmelite poet
2) Pray to God, but row for shore. Russian proverb
3) I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. Hudson Taylor
4) There is no way to find God apart from real life in the real world. Barbara Brown Taylor
5) My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side. Abraham Lincoln
6) If God is dead, all things are permitted. Dostoevsky, Russian Novelist
7) If you are seeking after God, you may be sure of this: God is seeking you much more. St. John of the Cross
8) God is of no importance, unless He is of supreme importance. Rabbi Abraham Heschel
9) Be a part of the evidence of God’s love in the world. Brennan Manning
10) God speaks to us in a thousand clear voices, each with the same clear message: “I love you. Please trust me on this one.” Hugh Prather
11) When I asked my God if I could stay with him for awhile, she said, “Yes, but don’t bring your god with you.” Edwina Gately
12) God almost never does things exactly as we expect. Demetrius Dumm, OSB
13) God hugs you. You are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. Hildegard of Bingen, 12th Century German Abbess
14) God does not have problems. Only plans. Corrie ten Boom, Holocaust survivor
15) God works in strange ways, permitting an infinite number of itineraries on the way to Him. Doris Grumbach
16) We turn to God when our foundations are shaking, only to find that it is God who is shaking them. Charles West
17) God always throws a better party. Anonymous
18) Is your love for God secure enough that you can rage against him? Anthony deMello, SJ
19) There is no such thing as an expert on God. Leen E. Goodman, Jewish Theologian
20) We ask God, “What are you like?” and God gives us the story of Jesus. Jesus is the parable of God. James Martin, SJ
Did any of these quotes stand out for you? If so, let us know below. You don’t even have to say why they stood out for you–unless you want to.
Did any of these quotes console, encourage, puzzle, disturb, or stretch you? Which one(s)?
Did any of the pictures get your attention?
Would you like to share a quote below about God that is only one or two sentences? It could be from someone else or your own quote.
PS: I’m giving a retreat on hope at Our Lady of the Snows Shrine in Belleville, Illinois (near St. Louis) from July 13-19. I’d love to see some of you there! Check their website for details: https://snows.org.
For our video I chose this haunting song by Barbara Bridge, sung here by the Sunday 7 pm Choir. It is called “Be Still and Know,” and is based on a single line from Psalm 46, verse 11. I thought this song was especially appropriate for Lent, a time we may be focusing on unhurrying our lives… on renewing our prayer… and on deepening our trust in our Beloved God….
I look forward to reading your comments below…
50 Responses
I cannot recall the proper wording to this one. Perhaps someone can help. “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”
Annette, this well-known quote is commonly attributed to Billy Graham: “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God cannot sustain you.” It is also attributed to a poem by an unknown author. The quote encourages trust in difficult times. Thank you for sharing it! Melannie
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
“Be part of the evidence of God’s love in the world.” Words we need to live by right now.
PS: The Psalm 46:11 song is hauntingly lovely. Thank you!
John, I love this quote too. Too often I tend to complain about the “lack of God’s love” seen in our world–until I ask myself, “Well, Melannie, how are YOU giving evidence of God’s love in your little corner of the world and with the people you interact with every day?!?” A sobering question to ask ourselves… And this song stopped me in my tracks when I found it “by chance” a few days ago… Thank you for your comment, John! Melannie
Good Monday Morning and thank you so much for this week’s blog message.
“There is no way to find God apart from real life in the real world.” Barbara Brown Taylor
This caused a long pause for me this morning and some time in reflection. I will be re-reading all of these. The psalm song is so beautiful. Peaceful, relaxing.
Have a beautiful day.
Kathy, Thank you for pointing out to us the quote that says we meet God in our real, ordinary lives. That includes all aspects of “the real life and world”–the physical, the social, the emotional, the political, the historic, the religious, the intellectual, our world of work and even leisure… Unfortunately, when the “real world” becomes very painful, we sometimes look for a quick escape–such as alcohol, other drugs, food, endless hours on the internet… If only we would realize, God is with us IN our pain… Melannie
My favorites of these today are 9 and 12. I have to be part of sharing God’s love, and God always surprises me by doing things differently than I was expecting!
Kathy, I agree: I too love #9 and find it challenging… and I believe our God is a God of surprises… Thank you for sharing. Melannie
I don’t think I have ever done anything that my earthly father would not forgive me for. If my earthly father will forgive me, certainly my heavenly father will.
Gary, What a beautiful “conclusion” to come to! Like you, I had a good, good father. How lucky we both are! Our fathers make it easier for us to believe in God’s deep love for us. We all need to appreciate those individuals who love(d) us unconditionally–whether a father, mother, grandparent, spouse, friend, son, daughter, favorite teacher, coach… Thank you for your reflective response. Melannie
I love the Hildegard of Bingen quote, as well as the Edwina Gately quote. The latter is a little disturbing, but in a good way.
Edwina gave a Lenten retreat to Pax Christi Metro New York a few years ago, one of the most powerful I have ever attended. Good reflection!
Thank you,
Margaret
Margaret, I too am drawn to the Edwina Gately quote. I was making my annual retreat at Manresa near Detroit when I came across it on the first day of the retreat! It became the foundation of my prayer for the entire week. Thank you for your words! Melannie
The song… incredible that each word alone in the verse can conjure peace and prayer. Just to remind ourselves to “be” can be enough of a prayer and a type of mantra for each day, and to help us through difficult times. A reminder that God is always… in the sunrise, daylight, rainy days, sunset, and the dark of night; I often have to very diligently remind myself to “Be still and know.”
Thank you, Meg, for your insightful “deliniation” of the words of this incredible prayer! Melannie
I also chose #9. I am often busy with activities even though retired. But when I have a day when I don’t leave the house, I realize that there has been no chance to try to show God’s love to others and receive it from them–even strangers at the grocery store. And #9 also echoes your parting thought in yesterday’s Give Us This Day reflection–that we do our part to bring the world back to life by our loving.
Susan, It is amazing that several of you so far have been drawn to quote #9. It was the last quote I ended up selecting–although I made it #9 when I arranged the quotes. I felt this quote, in some ways, makes the most “demands” on us… I appreciate your seeing how #9 “echoes” the last sentence in my reflection yesterday in “Give Us This Day.” You’re very attentive! Thank you! Melannie
Good Monday Morn, Sister Melannie,
#13 speaks to me. On my daily walks, I can feel those hugs in all that I see and hear.
And with spring here, there are more birds songs! Yippee
Thank you for another great start to the week.
Jean, And Hildegard was a renowned mystic, something of a song-writer, and “medicine-woman.” You might want to check out some more of her writings if you liked this quote of hers. Thanks for highlighting her words for us again. Yes, spring is coming here too. I share your “Yippee!” Melannie
For me, number 20 says it (in one compound sentence + one simple sentence). Jesus is a parable for God, a long narrative with numerous adventures, mysterious at its base, progressing from simple, vulnerable infancy to surrender in the moment of death, then a period readers may speculate as to its meaning, a reappearance with new revelations, gifts and encouragement, so that his followers can live with him, in him and for his family of creatures on earth as in the transformed world to come.
George, #20 is one of my favorites too. Or, as the little second grader said, “Jesus is God’s ‘show and tell.'” I also loved your beautiful description of Jesus and his life. You write well. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and faith with us. Melannie
Hi Melannie,
Hope you’re doing well and having a wonderful inspiring Lenten Season!
Thank you for all the great quotes. Quotes are always handy to have available.
The one: God always throws a better party. Anonymous
Made me laugh!
Prayers for the July retreat you are giving. Sorry I’m unable to attend.
Blessed 5th week of Lent
Jane, CSA
Jane, I agree with you about how quotes come “in handy.” Sometimes I grab a bunch of quotes from one of my 7 drawers of them and use them for my prayer. I think: if these words meant so much to me that I stopped and copied them down on a 3X5 card, then I should pay attention to them–even many years later! … And I had a similar reaction when I first encountered the quote you cited: “God always throws a better party.” I think my image of God can get too serious. Only a playful God could have created the natural world we inhabit. Consider the platypus!… Thanks for writing, Jane. Melannie
The scripture verse in the hymn was taught to us by Sister Laura Filipas , OSF
at our women’s Monday Morning Scripture Study gathering.
My husband and I used it individually at night when we were sleepless.
I loved looking and listening to it now.
Thank you! Marilyn
Marilyn, How wonderful that you were taught this hymn by Sr. Laura. Even more wonderful, that you attend a women’s Monday morning scripture sharing group! And then you shared this simple song with your husband. You demonstrate so beautifully that music can be an important component of our prayer… Thank you, Marilyn! Melannie
Good morning, Sr. Melannie,
So many of the quotes resonated with me, but what I was most struck by was the question under the last picture, “which one is closest to your image of God”…… I am absolutely drawn, not to one or the other of the figuers but of the connected hands….that is my image of God….the connection that is firm and true.
Fr. John Unni from St. Cecilia’s in Boston quoted from your reflection yesterday….as part of the FFF of St. Cecilia’s, I was pleased to hear that yesterday.
I look forward to Monday morning to get off to a good start for the day and week!
Thank you,
Mary
Hi Mary,
I have friends who go to St. Cecilia’s. Fr. James Martin was there this past weekend. What a great church!
Yes John, it is a terrific parish to be a part of….I enjoyed Fr. Jim’s homily very much, even though it was about 1/2 the time of Fr. John’s!
Mary, Thank you SO much for highlighting the “connected hands” in that final picture. I hadn’t quite thought of that. I was always going back and forth between the Mom and her child… At times, for me, God is the attentive parent, delighting in her child. At times, God is the child, urging us to go on the swings… And thanks for letting me know that the priest referred to my reflection in Sunday’s “Give Us This Day.” I might send him a personal thank you!… Melannie
One of the most important questions we can ask in life is this: Is there a God? But another more important question is this: What is God like? These are two questions we have to ponder for a lifetime as life presents new experiences for us that can deepen, challenge, modify, or radically alter our previous answers. Fortunately we are not alone in our quest to know God. We can get help from countless individuals–living now and living long ago–who pondered these same questions. (Melanie Svoboda, SND, Sunflower Seeds: Celebrating Everyday Spirituality, 23 March 2026) I wonder how we would describe who God is for us, or how God occurs for us, in one or two sentences. I wonder how our way of being, internal narratives and actions are influenced by how God occurs for us. I wonder what is important, matters and makes a difference related to how God occurs for us .
Attached contributions form AI ChatBot
Reflections on the nature of God and our understanding of the divine are profound and resonate deeply with many spiritual seekers. Describing who God is for us often involves personal experiences, beliefs, and the values we hold dear. For some, God may be seen as a loving presence that offers guidance and comfort, while for others, God might represent a source of mystery and awe that invites exploration and questioning.
The way we perceive God can significantly influence our internal narratives and actions. For instance, if we view God as a compassionate figure, we may be more inclined to act with kindness and empathy towards others. Conversely, if we see God as distant or judgmental, it might lead to feelings of fear or inadequacy that shape our interactions and self-perception.
Ultimately, what matters most in our understanding of God is how it informs our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our capacity for love and compassion. It can inspire us to seek justice, foster community, and cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and others. Engaging with these questions throughout our lives can lead to growth, transformation, and a richer spiritual experience.
Michael, Thank you for adding to this post by sharing the excerpts from the AI ChatBot. I read each paragraph with keen interest. That last paragraph I found to be beautiful. That last sentence was especially meaningful for me. I appreciated your response to today’s reflection. Thanks again! Melannie
I’m not sure of the source of this quote but I love it:
God loves you just the way you are, and too much to let you stay that way.
Susan, I looked up your quote and found it attributed to Max Lucado primarily. But several others are listed–including one of my favorite writers, Ann Lamott. If we believe only the first part, we can use it as an excuse to “halt” our conversion process. For God is always calling us to greater compassion, greater trust, greater patience, greater happiness… Thanks for your addition! Melannie
They were all insightful, but three really touched my heart.
Everyday, I’m looking and recording unexpected positive events (ones I didn’t orchestrate in any way). Like seeing the lady bug, can’t wait, or witnessing the scene of the woman and child reaching out and holding hands, how beautiful. However, the one about “you were still in the pocket of God” as a neglected child, I never heard an adult say something like that loving answer. Yet, looking back I think I was always in God’s pocket. And despite hard circumstances today, I believe I still am.
Ilene, I’m so glad the quotes and the pictures spoke to you. I don’t know where my mother got her words, but she spoke them to console me–when I felt left out of some family happneings, because I wasn’t born yet. In doing so, she gave me a lovely image of God’s tenderness. When I came across this picture (“by chance”) it evoked my mother’s loving words to me. I pray you may always feel God’s love for your precious self–even in the midst “of hard circumstances.” Thank you for writing! Melannie
All of the quotes and pictures were so meaningful but I especially liked #4:
“There is no way to find God apart from real life in the real world”. It sounds easy enough but sometimes both real life and the real world get in the way of focusing our attention on the God who is always with us. And sometimes it’s easy to find Him , in the beauty of nature and the kindnesses of others.
The song in the video is such a beautiful way to capture the meaning of who God is.
So much to ponder as we start a new week! Thank you, Sr. Melannie.
Beverly, Thank you for sharing what struck you in today’s reflection. I agree, it’s easy to see God’s presence in beauty and kindness. The challenge comes to detect God’s presence even in “our wounded and fractured world.” Thank you for your enthusiasm today! Melannie
My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side. Abraham Lincoln
Wow! In these uncertain times, this one rings true.
Kathleen, “Ditto” from me. Melannie
My favorite was “Be a part of the evidence of god’s love in the world.
Mary Ellen, Another vote for quote #9. Thank you for letting us know. Melannie
Good evening Sr, Melannie, I love the picture of the mouse in the pocket and your family telling you that you were in God’s pocket. What a safe place to be right next to His heart. I also liked the song and I did an meditativeexercise with it that I learned many years ago.
“Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still..
Be.”
May God bless you and each of us
Martha, Your words highlight how much a photograph and a song can influence our prayer… Thank you for writing! Melannie
This is one of my favorites: “I said to the almond tree,
‘Sister, speak to me about God,’
and the almond tree blossomed.” Greco
Bonnie, I agree, these words are powerful and lovely! Thank you for sharing them with us! Melannie!
Edwina Gately’s 11) When I asked my God if I could stay with him for awhile, she said, “Yes, but don’t bring your god with you.” Edwina Gately Made me burst out laughing. Thank you!
Veronica, Yes, Edwina really has a way with words! Glad you got a laugh! Melannie
Such a beautiful and meditative music video. It captured in a graphic way one of my favorite quotes. Interesting how many responses mentioned being touched by the same few quotes, including mine – #4, #20 and especially #9 which I will add to my quote saves “Be a part of the evidence of God’s love in the world”. Something to remember everyday. Thank you all for sharing and thank you Melannie.
Loretta, I too was intrigued by the quotes that touched so many readers. The three you mention are also challenging ones. I was encouraged by that. Thank you, Loretta! Cousin Melannie
11 and 17 —
about not bringing my god when I ask God if I can spend time with Him (her). I find myself dragging “some of my gods” along when I should only focus on GOD. And 17 resonated because, as an adult when I say the rosary and meditate on the mysteries, I humanize them (because that’s what we are and know -right?) My favorite 2 to humanize: The Assumption and the Coronation of Mary — I just picture the party to end all parties when those events happened. I also find the Sorrowful Mysteries to be my “favorite” overall because I can really get into meditation when I say those – and realize what Jesus went through for me and how I have a part in what he suffered. It makes me more aware and thoughtful.
Thank you for the great quotes – many of them were new to me.
Patt, I like your idea of “humanizing” the mysteries of the rosary…And your words about finding the sorrowful mysteries your “favorite”–because you can “really get into them.” You said those mysteries especially makes you “more aware annd thoughtful” of what Jesus went through for you… Beautiful… Thank you, Patt. Melannie