Chapter Twenty
CHAPTER TWENTY
On Reverence at Prayer
WHEN we wish to ask a favor of men who are in power, we do not dare to approach them, except with humility and reverence. How much more, then, should we beseech the Lord God of the universe with all humility and purity of devotion? And let us be assured that it is not in many words, but in the purity of heart and tears of compunction that we are heard. For this reason prayer ought to be short and pure, unless, perhaps it is lengthened by the inspiration of divine grace. Yet prayers offered in community should always be short, and let all rise together as soon as the superior gives the signal.