Passage 7

In English

Prayer should come shrieking through the heart

When a man falls Into a well, of what use is it if he controls his voice and his emotions and whispers quietly, "I have fallen into this well, I have fallen into this well. I am in great danger. Please save me?" No one will be able to hear or save him. He must shout full-throated, with all the anguish he is experiencing and with the extreme desire to be' saved, "I HAVE FALLEN INTO THE WELL! SAVE ME! SAVE ME SOME ONE!" Then can he hope to get succour. Similarly, when you are caught in the coils of this world, when you have fallen Into this deep well of worldly misery, shout with all your might, with all your heart, that you may be saved by God. There is no use muttering faintly and half-heartedly, "Save me, save me; I am floundering in this (worldy life)." When the prayer comes shrieking through the heart, help is assured.