Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/90



HE grace  of  prayer  is  a  universal  grace granted to  all  men;  it  is  also  a  sufficient grace, for  by  it  we  can  obtain  every  other grace necessary  for  salvation;  it  is  a  grace that is  in  every  man's  power;  it  is  also  a  grace which every  man  must  use  if  he  wishes  to  be saved  —  in  a  word,  prayer  is  the  principal sufficient grace  granted  to  all  men  for  their salvation.

Prayer is  a  universal  grace,  because  it  is  in the  power  of  every  man  who  has  attained  the age of  reason  and  enjoys  its  use. Prayer is  in everybody's  power,  for  prayer  is  so  easy  that no one  can  reasonably  pretend  that  he  is  unable to  pray. Every man  can  pray,  be  he rich  or  poor,  learned  or  illiterate,  healthy  or sick,  strong  or  weak,  young  or  old,  busy  or  at leisure. "In speaking  with  God  or  praying," says St.  Teresa,  "we  need  not  use  many  words or  choice  phrases;  all  that  is  requisite  is  that we  remain  deeply  recollected  in  His  presence, simply  stating  to  Him  our  wants  in  our  own words,  or  merely  in  our  thoughts  without