If a devotee is in trouble, his trust in the Lord increases. It does not diminish. The Lord pushes him into an adverse situation so that he may have more love and faith in the Lord.
(p.224, Letters for Spiritual Seekers, Swami Shivanandaji’s letter from Bhuvaneshwar Math on 20 April, 1923.)
A single utterance of the Lord’s name is as effective as a million repetitions of it, if you do it with a steady, concentrated mind. What is the use of repeating a million times with an absent mind? You must do this wholeheartedly. Then only can you deserve His grace.
(p.14, Spiritual Talks, Holy Mother’s words at Koalpara on 20 April, 1919.)