Introductory Reflections
1. On Prayer - Vocal Prayer in Particular
THE grace of prayer is a universal grace granted to all men; it is also a sufficient grace, for by it we can obtain every other grace necessary for salvation; it is a grace that is in every man's power; it is also a grace which every man must use if he wishes to be saved — in a word, prayer is the principal sufficient grace granted to all men for their salvation.
Prayer is a universal grace, because it is in the power of every man who has attained the age of reason and enjoys its use. Prayer is in everybody's power, for prayer is so easy that no one can reasonably pretend that he is unable to pray. Every man can pray, be he rich or poor, learned or illiterate, healthy or sick, strong or weak, young or old, busy or at leisure. "In speaking with God or praying," says St. Teresa, "we need not use many words or choice phrases; all that is requisite is that we remain deeply recollected in His presence, simply stating to Him our wants in our own words, or merely in our thoughts without
