The clennesse and the fastynge of us freres
Maketh that Crist accepteth oure preyeres.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Summoner’s Tale. Friar John is trying to convince Thomas that God accepts prayers only from him and the other friars. But this is part of his ploy to get money and gifts out of Thomas in return for his prayers for the ill man. He is obsessed with money and selling spiritual favors.