Letter 68. To a Lady. on Prayer

My Dear Daughter, June 20, 1618.

The Mother told you truly — I am overwhelmed, not so much with business as by many hindrances. Nevertheless, I would not have you desist from writing to me when you wish to do so. Your letters are an interest and a recreation to me, only you must be somewhat indulgent if I am tardy in replying.

Your method of meditation is good, better than if you went more into considerations and colloquies, which are only useful when they kindle the affections; and, therefore, if God pleases to give us warm affections without their aid it is a great grace. The secret of secrets in prayer is to follow the leadings of your heart in all simpjicity. You will find all that you require concerning meditation in the seventh book of the “ Traitd de TAmour de Dieu.”

I remember that once you told me in confession what you did, and I approved of it, and told you that if, while meditating on any point, God led yoi^ to special affections, you should quit all formal points, and follow His leading. The quieter and simpler these affections, the better — they make more impression.

But, my dear daughter, do not indulge yourself while meditating in any attempts to find out whether you are praying well; the best prayer or meditation is that which so fixes our mind on God that we do not think of ourselves, or of what we do. If we want to reach God we must approach Him in all simplicity, without artifice or self-consciousness, seeking only to love and know Him. True love deals but sparingly in systems and methods.

C44I.1 LXXL