It is impressive to see how prayer opens one’s eyes to nature. Prayer makes men contemplative and attentive. In place of manipulating, the man who prays stands receptive before the world. He no longer grabs but caresses, he no longer bites, but kisses, he no longer examines but admires. To this man, as for Merton, nature can show itself completely renewed. Instead of an obstacle, it becomes a way. Instead of an invulnerable shield, it becomes a veil which gives a preview of unknown horizons.

—Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton: Contemplative Critic