Chapter 81

Prayer of the Heart—a Gift of Grace, Given Through the Mysteries

True prayer of the heart is a gift of grace, given through the mystery of Confession or Communion. And after such a gift is given it is warmed by the same Mysteries. The distinctive mark of this gift is the continuity of prayer, which is expressed in feeling toward God, sometimes with words of prayer, and sometimes without words.

What grace gives, one’s own labor cannot give in any way. It only prepares for receiving the gift—and after receiving it warms it—together with the Mysteries. (10, 195–196)