Chapter XIII. Some Advice about Prayer

I WOULD first advise you to make prayers (I do not now speak of meditation, of which I shall treat presently) short, in the way above spoken of, but frequent, full of desire and of actual faith in the help of God, which He will give, not in your way and at your time, but more effectually, and at a more fitting opportunity.

Secondly, always let your prayers be accompanied, either actually or virtually, with one of the following little clauses: "Of Thy Goodness." "According to Thy promises." "For Thy Honour." "In the Name of Thy dearly-beloved Son." "By the virtue of Thy Passion." "In remembrance of the Virgin Mary, Thy daughter, spouse and Mother."

Thirdly, let them at times be united with ejaculations, such as: "Grant me, O Lord, Thy love, in the Name of Thy dearly-beloved Son." "And when will it be, my Lord, that I shall have it? when?" You may do this also after each separate petition, or after the whole of it, in this way: "Our Father, Which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. But, O Heavenly Father, our Father, when shall Thy Name be known, honoured, and glorified by all the world? When, my God? when?" And so after all the other petitions.

Fourthly, when seeking any virtue or grace, it would be well to consider the value of the virtue, and the need you have of it, the Greatness of God and of His Goodness, and what the deserts of him who asks. This will lead you to pray with stronger affections and desires, with greater reverence and confidence, and with more humility. And, finally, you must consider the end for which you seek the virtue, that it may be to please and honour God.