When St. John Vianney spoke about God, from his pulpit at Ars, his voice could be heard from every corner of the little church. But when he spoke to God, when leading evening prayers, he could be so quiet that sometimes his voice was hardly heard at all. One day, he was asked why he spoke so loudly when he preached, and so low when he prayed. At this question, the good priest simply replied.

"Because, when I am preaching, I have to deal with those who are deaf or sleeping. But when I pray, I have to deal with the good God, and He is not deaf."