cise. If we can not spend in it half an houi every day, let us at least devote to it a quarter of an hour. The longer and the more fervent our mental prayer, the more we shall like it, and we shall learn by our own experience the truth of the saying of the Royal Prophet: 'Taste and see that the Lord is sweet' (Ps. xxxiii. 9).
" Pope Benedict XIV grants to all the faithful making mental prayer devoutly for a whole month for half an hour, or at least a quarter of an hour every day, a plenary indulgence, if truly penitent, after confession and holy communion, they devoutly pray for the intentions of the Church. This indulgence is applicable to the souls in purgatory."
As to our petitions and resolutions, Father Girardey says:
"In mental prayer it is very profitable, and perhaps more useful than any other act, to address repeated petitions to God, asking with great humility and unbounded confidence for His graces — such as His light, resignation in adversity, patience, perseverance, etc., but, above all, for the inestimable gift of His holy love. 'By obtaining divine love,' says St. Francis of Sales, 'we obtain all graces'; 'For,' says St. Alphonsus, 'he who truly loves God with all his heart will, of himself, abstain from causing Him the least displeasure, and will strive to please Him to the best of his ability.' If we feel dry or despondent and unable to meditate or pray well, let us repeat many times as earnestly as possible: 'My Jesus, mercy!' 'Lord, for Thy mercy's sake, assist me!' 'My God, I love Thee!'
" Let us offer all our petitions for grace in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ,
