You pray for silent requests, and this is good, for the heart’s secrets are open to God alone. Yet see that your silence does not spring from a sluggish spirit that thinks wishing is the same as asking. The ruler petitions the people in the divine order, and how much more must we, the condemned, approach the King with earnest, spoken entreaty, not only in the inner chamber but with the gathered Church, adding our voice to the great cry for mercy.
Thanking God is the beginning of all right prayer, but take care that your gratitude does not become a veil for ingratitude. He who truly confesses thanks for what he suffers will not grow bitter, nor will he merely list his blessings and depart. The heavenly Father feeds even fornicators and sorcerers, and shall He not hearken to His children who ask with humble persistence? Do not present your requests as a stranger might, silently hoping. Enlist the prayers of the faithful, your fellow-soldiers, for the petition urged to many contributes to its being granted.
Let your thanksgiving clothe itself in deeds of mercy. Honor Him not only by words, but by what you do. Since you have asked in Jesus’ Name, go forth and fulfill the ministry you have received. Do not be content only to have invoked the Name, but let your life be a constant, visible amen to the will of the One who wills not the death of a sinner.