the furnace); 391 (the Magnificat); 395 (the Benedictus); 402 (“Gloria in excelsis”).
The necessity of prayer: command of Jesus 581 (“Ask and it shall be given you”); 620 651 (“Watch ye and pray that ye enter not into temptation”); our Lord’s example 460 520 654; Saul 767.
The fruits of prayer:
1. it unites us to God and makes us heavenly-minded: Henoch 35; the rays on Moses’ countenance 161; John the Baptist 396; Simeon and Anna 409;
2. it strengthens us against evil, and helps us to do right: Judith 320;
3. it obtains for us comfort in affliction: Anna 213; Tobias 296; Jesus in the Garden 654; help in need: Jacob 88; Moses 152; Josue 195; in the time of the Judges 202 213; Ezechias 315; Susanna 333; Daniel 338; Judas Machabeus 372; Peter in prison 780;
and the grace of final perseverance: Noe 40; Lot 65; 620.
The power of prayer: besides Abraham’s intercession for Sodom already cited 66; Moses 161; Elias 269 273; Zachary 383; intercession 460 488; Stephen’s prayer 757 767.
The qualities of prayer. We must pray with
1. devotion: worship in spirit 453; prayer in common 476 582; Jesus in the Garden 654.
2. humility: Abraham 65; Solomon 252; Jairus 517; the Chanaanite woman 536 582; the publican in the Temple 585; Jesus in the Garden 654.
3. confidence: Josue 195; Elias 273; Susanna 333; our Lord’s promise 582; Jairus 5*5 648; the thief 696.
4. submission to God's will: Judith and the people of Bethulia 319; the young men in the furnace 339; Jesus in the Garden 654.
5 . perseverance: Abraham 65; Jacob’s wrestling 88; Zachary 383; our Lord’s exhortation 477 582; the Chanaanite woman 537; the importunate friend 582; Jesus in the Garden 654.
How we can pray without ceasing: example of David 222 ; of Mary 423 560.
We should especially pray
1. morning and evening: the morning and evening sacrifice of the Israelites 167.
2. before and after meals: Daniel in the lion’s den 346; Jesus 529.
3. in time of temptation: Susanna 332; the example of Jesus 434 514.
4. in need: Eliezer 71; Jacob 88 118; Anna 213; Solomon 252 ; Jesus before the choice of the apostles 520.
5. in times of private and public tribulation: Jacob 88; Ezechias 316; the Church during the imprisonment of Peter 780.
