examination of the heart 228 God by showing gratitude, makes for himself a debtor of the surest remuneration.94 2. “if you ask anything” (Jn 16:23). After His Resurrection and before He withdrew Himself from their sight, triumphantly ascending into Heaven, the heavenly Teacher taught the apostles many things. Among other things, He recommended to them in the first place the art and study of prayer; prudently, of course, and not without great consideration for future things. Having foreseen their future crosses and persecutions, and also many other evils, and knowing that nothing is more suitable than prayer for taking them away or enduring them (especially the prayer offered in His Name), He taught it to them first of all. Indeed, He left prayer to them as nearly the only remedy for all calamities and all necessities, and also as a way of attaining all perfection and self-knowledge. You too, having established today friendship with God, be convinced that prayer is necessary for you in the highest degree. Equipped with this anchor, you will safely navigate through all storms; armed with this shield, you will pass unhurt through fire and water, through countless dangers of death. Having this companion, you will advance without harm on the road to perfection and eternity, a road beset by many ruffians. As a religious, for whom is it more fitting to persist in prayer than for you? [f.54r] 3. “[H]e will give it to you” (Jn 16:23). Consider that the promise of receiving from the Heavenly Father whatever is asked in the Name of the Son was not only made to the apostles. Indeed, it was given to all the faithful also, and to the religious especially, to whom the evangelical counsels come down from the apostles by law of inheritance. Indeed, the most merciful Lord had regard for you too, when He uttered these promises and assured that you would not be denied anything if you asked appropriately for something that is just. Moreover, the prayers of men are of such a great value 94 These words were emphasized by St. Stanislaus himself in the original manuscript.
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