“Spirituality is not a formula; it is not a test. It is a relationship. Spirituality is not about competency; it is about intimacy. Spirituality is not about perfection; it is about connection.” (Michael Yaconelli)
“There is no secret formula that makes the Spirit’s power operational in our lives. Scripture tells us that the Spirit dwells and operates in us (1 Cor. 6:9). We have to learn by experience through interaction with God to understand how that dynamic works.” (Foundation Study Bible, Acts 1:8)
“Almighty God refuses to be reduced to a formula. He is a Person who seeks a personal, dynamic, life-changing relationship with you.” (Richard Blackaby)
“God always transcends human knowledge and doctrinal formulation…Therefore, theology transcends all formulation and definition, being identified rather with personal encounter and a loving relationship with God in the communion of prayer.” (Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew)
“To ask, then, for something in Jesus’ name has certain implications, the foremost of which is that the name of Jesus, together with His presence and power, belong not to us who say the name, but to Him whose name it is. To pray in the name of Jesus means also that we keep the commandments of Jesus and do the will of Jesus. If we would attempt to pray in the name of Jesus, but not for that which is according to Jesus, we would not be praying in the name of Jesus at all, but would be using a kind of magic formula.” (Father Thomas Hopko)