obtain mercy, and find grace in seasonable aid." (Heb. iv. 16.)
TUESDAY.
The Benefit of Prayer.— II.
I. Consider more in particular the benefits and efficacy of this holy exercise. St. Jerome says of it, "it overcomes the invincible, and bindeth down the Almighty;" that is, it interests His mercy in our behalf, and ties down the hands of His justice from punishing us. " Let Me alone," said God to Moses, when he was praying for the people, "that My wrath may be kindled against them." (Exod. xxxii. 10.) Prayer is a general resource against all difficulties and temptations, and as St. Prosper says, " is a scourge, to the devil." Moses, by lifting up his hands in prayer, obtained victory for the children of Israel over the Amalecites. (Exod. xvii. 11.) Josue by his prayers, obtained from God, that the day should be lengthened, by making the sun and moon appear to stand still, " the Lord obeying the voice of man." (Jos. x. 14.) With how much more reason may we hope for spiritual blessings, when we fervently pray for them!
II. " Prayer," says St. Augustine, " is the key of heaven," because it procures for us every heavenly blessing. By it we receive the spirit of God; for Christ says, " Your Father from heaven will give the good spirit to them that ask Him." (Luke xi. 13.) Prayer increases sanctifying grace, and procures us more frequent supplies of actual grace. It strengthens our virtues, and every supernatural gift. Our faith, besides, in this holy exercise is enlivened, our hopes are invigorated, and our charity inflamed. For in prayer
