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 esteem and deep love of prayer. She knew that the saints had obtained from prayer that wonderful science which enthralls the world and irresistible power over the minds and hearts of men. For they "lean on God Almighty's power itself and their lever is the prayer that inflames with the fire of love. With this lever they have raised the world—with this lever the saints of the Church Militant still raise it and will raise it till the end of time." Enlightened as she was, she understood that "the Creator of the Universe awaits the prayer of a poor little soul to save a multitude of other souls, ransomed, like herself, at the price of His Blood." Hence her boundless confidence in the power of prayer: "How wonderful is the power of prayer! It is like unto a queen who, having free access to the king, obtains all that she asks for." Consequently, with her prayer was not something dreary, saddening, oppressive, and labored, but spontaneous and joyous: "With me prayer is an uplifting of the heart, a glance toward heaven, a cry of gratitude and love uttered equally in sorrow and in joy. In a word, it is something noble and supernatural, which expands the heart and unites it with God."

If her whole life was, so to say, one unbroken prayer, this was especially true of her weeks and months of suffering. They were one long prayer, in spite of the fearful anguish and desolation in which her soul was steeped. Not only did she herself pray without ceasing, but she pleaded most earnestly and touchingly that others should also pray much for her, so that she might be able to suffer in patience. When her whole body and soul were racked with pain, and she spent night after night without sleep, she was asked what she did during her long vigils; she replied: "I pray." But her pain had forced her to make it the prayer of silent love, and so when further questioned: "What do you say to Jesus?" she answered: "I say nothing—I only love Him. I can still suffer and love, and that is enough." Our Lord has said: "Ask, and you shall receive." St. Therese took Him at His word and asked for strength to suffer with joy. She was heard because of her trust and perseverance. Have I made steadfast prayer my fortress to which I take instant refuge in