petition. He is its model, he prays in us and with us. Since the heart of the Son seeks only what pleases the Father, how could the prayer of the children of adoption be centred on the gifts rather 2604 than the Giver? 2741 Jesus also prays for us — in our place and on our behalf. All our petitions were gathered up, once for all, in his cry on the Cross and, in his Resurrection, heard by the Father. This is why he never 2606 ceases to intercede for us with the Father.32 If our prayer is resolutely united with that of Jesus, in trust and boldness as children, we obtain all that we ask in his name, even more than any particu— 2614 lar thing: the Holy Spirit himself, who contains all gifts.

IV.

Persevering in Love

2742 ‘Pray constantly’, ‘always and for everything giving thanks 2098 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.’33 St Paul adds, ‘Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints.’34 For ‘we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing.’35 This tireless fervour can come only from love. Against our dullness and laziness, the battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting and persevering love. 162 This love opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about prayer. 2743 It is always possible to pray. The time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us always, no matter what tempests may arise.~6 Our time is in the hands of God: It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone, or seated in your shop... while buying or selling.., or even while cooking.37 2744 Prayer is a vital necessity. Proof from the contrary is no less convincing: if we do not allow the Spirit to lead us, we fall back into the slavery of sin.~8 How can the Holy Spirit be our life if our heart is far from him? Nothing is equal to prayer; for what is impossible it makes possible, what