Chapter 4.3b How to prepare diligently to receive this gift of prayer - recollection etc

 Extracts from the Dux Spiritualis by the Venerable Louis de Ponte SJ

Chapter 4.3a How to prepare diligently to receive this gift of prayer - recollection etc

.... for the success of prayer depends largely on how we prepare ourselves. 

Therefore David says [Psalm x, 17]: 

            The Lord has heard the desire of the poor;

            Thy ear hath heard the preparation of their heart;

and Saint Bernard [Sermo 69 in Cant] God will show Himself to thee in the same measure as thou preparest thyself to appear before Him.

For with the holy thou shalt be holy, and with the innocent thou shalt be innocent [Psalm xvii, 26], 

solicitous with those who show solicitude, recollected with those who seek recollection. 

His grace, says St Eusebius Emesenus [Hom. 3 ad relig.] will be in proportion to our diligence. 

Moreover, David says again [Psalm lxxxviii, 20] I have laid help upon one that is mighty, as if to say: God will help him who helps himself and will add new powers and graces to one who has made good use of what he already has.

My soul, says St Augustine [In manual., 5,24], 

            Be solicitous with Him who is solicitous for thee,

            Be pure with Him who is purity itself,

            Be holy with the Source of all holiness,

            Be recollected with Him whom nothing can distract;

            Such as thou art with God will He be with thee.

If thou show great diligence in preparing thyself to enter into His presence, very willingly will He admit thee and reward thy preparation by granting thy desires.