Norwich bulletin., 1916-04-17

Prayer is the mightiest power on this
earth, said Father Walter Campbell q
Passiontst priest from Boston, in a
Lenten sermon delivered before q very
Sunday evening. Father Campbell held
the close attention OF the congregation
throughout his inspiring sermon
Rev. Peter Cuny sang vespers, and
in excellent voice solos were rendered
by Mrs. F. L. Farrell, who sang Vent
Creator, BrizZf, and John L. Walsh,
who rendered o Salrtaris, Bordese.
Wiegand's veSper music was carried
out with Prof, F. L. Farrell at the
organ.
Father Campbell said in part:
Seek and We shall find. There are
many means placed at our disposal for
our salvation Passing over prayer In
the Old Testament, let US take UP the
gospel You will find. Ask and We
will receive, seek and ye shall find. the
that whatever we ask in His name that
He viii grant. His promises are not
limited, they are not restricted.
Let US turn our reflections to this
question: Why should we pray? In
what manner should we pray, and what
time should we pray
If we were independent and had our
own wish there would be no need for
prayer. God knows our needs. Every
creature Is bound to worship God and
prayer Is one by prayer we seek
pardon and seek new favors. We are
taught that we are brought into this
world with an original sin and by bap-
tism this sin is taken away. But this
does not give inclination to commit sin.
We are surrounded by many tempta-
lions. We are weak. The way to
heaven Is narrow, and without the help
| of our Lord we cannot expect to get
| there. God has given US one condi-
ton, ask and We shall receive. We are
like an undutiful child If we do not
pray.
Prayer the Greatest Power.
Perhaps there are days, weeks and
| months that some of US do not speak
to our Father who is in heaven. We
| should pray-because prayer is the
| mightiest power on this earth. It Is
mightier than all the kings and princes.
Father Campbell cited instances of
| the effect of prayer in the lives of Bible
martyrs 1t is the mightiest force on
earth. Continuing, the speaker told
| of a certain convent where the nuns
| continually prayed at all times. The
| bishop when asked why they did so
much praying instead OF other things,
answered: 1 have more need of Gods
| he'll than I have OF men, and the pray
| ers of the good Sisters will attain IL.
| Prayer is not a science. What Is
| prayer? Raise your hearts and minds
/ to God and ask for what you need. II
1
| have to go to church always to pray
] Just turn your minds for a few minutes
to God wherever you are.
Father Campbell cited an experience
of his own which happened while
| crossing the Hudson river on a ferry
| He noticed a man who had his hands
| in his pockets, and when the boat was
near the pier ii struck with much force
knocking people off their feet. This
| man he had noticed had taken his
hands out of his pockets and clutcheC
in one of his hands was a rosary. HI
had been spending a few minutes In
prayer.
We Cannot Place Time Limit.
If you are a sinner, pray like a sin
ner. Sometimes we hear people sa.
I have been praying for such a favo
and It has never been granted. Blu
lie me remind you of the fact that Coz
does not answer the prayer in tn
time you grant him. is no proof tina
He doesn't.
. Father Campbell told OF a certain