At one time, a young Swedish officer fell into the hands of the Russians, and became their prisoner. Although he was very rich in his own country, he was compelled, during the time of his captivity, to live in extreme poverty, because it was impossible for his friends to send him any money.

When at times he was permitted to leave his dungeon for a little while, he would wander in the neighboring forest and mourn his sad fate. However, being a fervent Catholic, he would take the opportunity to unburden his whole heart in the presence of God His Almighty Father, a Father so full of mercy and love.

It happened that a certain countryman, who was a pagan, was watching from a distance to see how this young man, clearly filled with deep sorrow, would act. He saw the prisoner fall upon his knees, raise up his hands to Heaven, and pray with great earnestness.

The officer had knelt down in the presence of God to beg Him to free him from his cruel slavery if it were His Holy Will. As he prayed, there arose within him a feeling of confidence that his prayer would be granted. Deeply consoled by hope and full of courage to bear patiently whatever trials God might send him, he returned towards his prison.

On the way the pagan countryman approached him, and asked him who he was. The officer recounted the story of his life.

"But how is it," asked the countryman, "that you, who a short time ago appeared so sad, are now so joyful? Has the God you worship given you anything that could so suddenly work such a change?"

"I have not yet received anything from my God, but He has clearly made known to me that He has heard my prayer. While I have not as yet obtained my request, I am perfectly certain that in His own good time He will grant it to me. This God of Heaven and earth, Who is the only true God, has a Son Who is called Jesus Christ, for Whose sake, and through the love He bears Him, He is attentive to the prayers addressed to Him by His creatures on earth. Whoever with his whole heart believes in this Son of God, and prays in His Name to His Father in Heaven, will no doubt obtain what he asks for if he prays with confidence."

Not long afterwards, the officer unexpectedly received a considerable sum of money sent by his friends. The pagan came to hear of this, and being also very poor, he said to himself, "Since there exists a God Who has created us all, why can’t He help me also?"

Then, with great simplicity, he fell upon his knees, as he had seen the officer do, and said this prayer:

"Great God, You Who have created Heaven and earth, I have been told that You have a Son, and that for His sake, and on account of Your love for Him, You are compassionate to all mankind, and hear all those who call upon You. Therefore I beg You, in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, to come to my assistance also, and send me something to help me in my poverty."

God was pleased to hear the humble yet confident prayer of this simple countryman, and it was not long after that his affairs began to prosper. In the fullness of his heart, the countryman went to the officer, and told him what God had done for him because he had prayed to Him.

"I am indeed very happy," he said, "to have learned something about this true God. From now on, I wish to adore Him, too, and to offer up to Him my prayers through the hands of His beloved Son."

The pious officer gave him all the instruction he was able concerning God and His Church. The pagan countryman became in the end a devout Catholic, and every day of his life was more and more convinced that God always listens to the prayers of those who call upon Him with confidence in the Name of His Divine Son.