Source: https://www.bertha-dudde.org/en/proclamation/1891

1891 Inner being.... outer appearance.... prayer in spirit and in truth....

April 18, 1941: Book 28

Man's attitude towards the eternal deity is decisive for his moral worth and the maturity of his soul. Without question, the decisive factor here is man's inner feeling, not his outwardly characterized attitude. However, this inner feeling will only be expressed when a person's calm is shaken, when he finds himself in situations in life where he cannot maintain an outward appearance, but lets go of any mask. Only then can we speak of a person's nature, and only then will it be decided what position he takes towards God. A person can present a completely different outward appearance without, however, being condemned for it, for he cannot openly display his innermost nature; conversely, however, he can also feign a noble nature towards his fellow human beings which is not in harmony with his inner nature. And therefore man will not be able to make a fair judgement of his fellow human being so easily.... But God knows people's shortcomings and weaknesses as well as their value and will. And He wants them to renounce appearances, He wants them to recognize themselves and reflect on their true nature.... Everything that is good and noble recognizes God in all situations in life and takes refuge in Him in times of need.... and thus the human being learns to pray correctly, i.e. in spirit and in truth.... He does not just speak mechanically to himself, but the supplication of his heart rises up to God and the bridge is entered which leads over into the spiritual kingdom. Countless people, however, who were previously careless and superficial, who only spoke of God and were otherwise distant from Him, now seek Him and they also find Him, because the transience of the earthly has shaken their self-assurance and taught them to think differently. Man is easily inclined to judge, but God is long-suffering and merciful.... He seeks to save what has not yet completely fallen to the adversary, even if His means seem cruel and incomprehensible to people.... (interruption)

Translated by Doris Boekers