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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.
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 |
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