Edward James Slattery

"We should start with prayer. That's where everything starts. We don't start by talking about ourselves or even examining our consciences. We start by prayer, on our knees. We come to the Lord and ask him to let us see ourselves as he sees us. He's the only one who can. God knows each one of us perfectly, and if we're seeking self-knowledge, we must go to him."

"It's rewarding to have been a bishop. What is important for us all is that we be aware of the presence of God in the present, in this moment and nowhere else, and then accept whatever comes. Then you know that God is present. Live every day conscious of God's love for you and His presence to you. As far as my achievements as bishop of Tulsa, I haven't any! Anything good I've been able to do is done by God. We're merely privileged to be his instruments."