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 theless, beware  of  underrating  its  usefulness or necessity. All true  Christians  frequently recite vocal  prayers,  such  as  the  Our  Father, the Hail  Mary,  the  Apostles'  Creed,  the  acts of faith,  hope,  charity,  and  contrition. The Church prescribes  vocal  prayer  very  strictly to her  priests  and  her  Religious,  in  the  Mass, in the  liturgy,  and  in  the  Divine  Office. She has enriched  many  vocal  prayers  with  numerous indulgences,  and  has  approved  of many  prayer-books  filled  with  prayers  suited to every  want  and  devotion. Vocal prayer, then, is  both  useful  and  necessary  for  all  men without exception  —  even  for  those  who  are soaring in  the  heights  of  contemplation. In reciting vocal  prayers  we  should  strive  to attend  to  the  meaning  of  the  words,  appropriating it  to  ourselves  with  all  possible  fervor and earnestness. A few  short  vocal  prayers well said  are  far  more  acceptable  to  God  than a great  many  long  ones  recited  without  attention or  fervor.

"One of  the  best  forms  of  vocal  prayer  is the  frequent  recitation  during  the  day  of some  favorite  aspiration  or  ejaculatory  prayer, especially  if  we  do  so  in  time  of  trial  and temptation.  This  commendable  practice gradually  imparts  a  habit  of  recollection,  and renders  all  other  prayers  comparatively  easy