St. Augustine, What Exactly Should We Pray For?
Question 54
If God wants us to ask him for what we need, what precisely is it that we need?
We pray for those things which it is our duty to ask for what we should not hesitate to ask, neither for ourselves, for our friends, and strangers, and yes, even for enemies…If we pray correctly…we pray for nothing except that which makes up […]
St. Augustine, How Should We Receive God’s Gifts?
Question 53
How can we receive what God bestows graciously?
The faith-filled man begins to treat this world with indifference. Suddenly he is not lifted up when prosperity comes his way, nor is he crushed under adversity, but he learns to praise God in all things…We should receive it all with God’s praise in our mouths, regardless of the nature of the gift, because we […]
St. Augustine, How Can We Have God More Readily Answer Our Prayers?
Question 52
What makes our prayer of petition more efficacious?
“By fasting, long watches, and every type of mortification of the body, prayer is supported (Tob. 12:8).” Each should do what she can… The one who can accomplish less should not hold the others back. The one who can accomplish more should not lord it over those who cannot… strive in prayer […]
St. Augustine, Are Those Who Do Not Pray Condemned?
Question 51
What about those who do not know to pray for themselves? Are they lost?
There are gifts that God gives even to those who do not pray, such as the birth of faith. And there are gifts that God gives only to those who pray, such as final perseverance.
