The glory of God

"The glory of God is a human being fully alive."

-St. Irenaeus of Lyon

Richard Hooker on Prayer, The Laws of Ecclesial Polity 5.23; thanks Aaron!

On others what more easily, and yet what more fruitfully bestowed than our prayers? If we give counsel, they are the simpler only that need it; if alms, the poor only are relieved; but by prayer we do good to all. And whereas every other duty besides is but to shew itself as time and opportunity require, for this all times are convenient: when we are not able to do any other thing for men's behoof, when through maliciousness or unkindness they vouchsafe not to accept any other good at our hands, prayer is that which we always have in our power to bestow, and they never in theirs to refuse. Wherefore 'God forbid,' saith Samuel, speaking unto a most unthankful people, a people weary of the benefit of his most virtuous government over them, 'God forbid that I should sin against the Lord, and cease to pray for you.' It is the first thing wherewith a righteous life beginneth, and the last wherewith it doth end.