"And when you stand praying, forgive. . . "

(Mark, 2:25.)

How can anyone maintain his conscience calm without sincere intentions?

We may likewise ask: How can the heart be kept serene during prayer without real analysis of oneself?

If prayer is to produce its essential good results, it is imperative to stand face to face with one’s conscience in all circumstances.

Hidden intentions and sentiments purposely vitiated are not compatible with the right to spiritual assurance.

The coexistence of good and evil in the innermost depths of being renders the attainment of peace impossible.

Hateful and vindictive feelings hinder the unfoldment of higher spirituality.

God is not mocked.

Prayer externalizes our real emotion.

In this way, without the light of harmony and love, we will not perceive the celestial reply to our needs.

The laws cannot be bent to suit our weaknesses, because the Divine cannot wander about with the human will, and it behooves us, therefore, to adapt ourselves to the Supreme Plans.

Be mindful, then, to the course you give to your prayers, in the certainty that forgiveness must invariably be present in all our acts, so that our petitions may have free course toward God.

Emmanuel