HIST. D’UNE AME, CH. X Prayer is, for me, an outburst from the heart; it is a simple glance darted upwards to Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and of love in the midst of trial as in the midst of joy! In a word, it is something exalted, supernatural, which dilates the soul and unites it to God. Sometimes when I find myself, spiritually, in dryness so great that I cannot produce a single good thought, I recite very slowly a _Pater_ or an _Ave Maria_; these prayers alone console me, they suffice, they nourish my soul. HIST. D’UNE AME, CH. X The principal plenary indulgence and one which all may gain without the ordinary conditions, is that of _charity which covereth a multitude of sins_.[84] COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES Formerly if any of my family were in trouble, and that I had been unable to succeed in comforting them during their visit, I would go from the parlour heart-broken; but soon Jesus made me understand that I was incapable of giving consolation to a soul. From that day forth I grieved no more when anyone went away sad; I confided to the good God the sorrows of those who were dear to me, feeling certain that He heard me, and at their next visit I used to find that it had indeed been so. Since I have experienced this, I no longer torment myself when involuntarily I give pain; I simply beg of Jesus to make up for what I have done. COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES One day after Holy Communion the good God made me understand those words of the Canticles: “_Draw me: we will run after Thee to the odour of Thy ointments._”[85] O Jesus, it is not then necessary to say: In drawing me, draw the souls whom I love. These simple words: “_Draw me_” suffice! Yes, when a soul has allowed herself to be captivated by the inebriating fragrance of Thy perfumes, she could not run alone, all the souls whom she loves are drawn after her; this is a natural consequence of her attraction towards Thee. HIST. D’UNE AME, CH. XI “_Draw me, we will run...._” To ask to be drawn is to will intimate union with the object which holds the heart captive. If fire and iron were gifted with reason, and that the latter said to the fire: “Draw me,” would not this prove that it desired to become identified with the fire even so far as to share its substance? Well, that is exactly my prayer. I beg of Jesus to draw me into the flames of His Love, to unite me so closely to Himself that He may live and act in me. I feel that the more the fire of love inflames my heart, the more I shall say: “Draw me,” the more also will the souls who draw near to mine run swiftly in the fragrant odours of the Well-Beloved. HIST. D’UNE AME, CH. XI