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OR greater  convenience  of  explanation,  we condense  the  various  qualities  of  prayer taught by  theologians  as  conditions  of  its  efficacy into the  following  four:  (1)  Devotion;  (2)  Confidence; (3)  Perseverance;  (4)  Resignation  to  the will of  God.

Treating of  prayer,  some  theological  authors demand, above  all,  the  intention  of  praying. This intention is  indeed  so  necessary  that  it  does  not belong to  the  qualities  or  attributes  of  prayer, but to  its  very  essence. For whosoever  has  not the intention  or  will  to  pray  may  recite  a  formula of prayer  with  the  greatest  attention,  yet  does  not really and  truly  pray.

Again, the  teachers  of  the  spiritual  life  tell  us that  prayer  must  be  "in  the  name  of  Jesus." This being a  condition  insisted  upon  by  our  divine  Lord Himself, it  also  belongs  to  the  essence  of  prayer. It means  that  we  offer  up  our  prayer  to  God  in the  name  of  Jesus  His  Son,  that  is,  with  reference to  Him  and  in  the  firm  confidence  that  we shall  be  heard  on  His  account  and  because  of  His promises. Again, to  pray  in  the  name  of  Jesus