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.
St. Augustine, Doesn’t God Already Know What We Need?
Question 50
Is prayer of petition necessary if before we ask of him, he knows what we need?
It is not that he discovers […]
St. Augustine, What is the Prayer of Petition?
Question 49
What is prayer of petition?
Prayer of petition is born of the awareness of our need. God has every intention of giving, but only to him who asks, so as not to give something to one who would refuse to take it.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
For a moment, let the image of the door […]
St. Augustine, Who Should Pray For Mercy?
Question 48
Who should pray for mercy?
The righteous also should pray to obtain the remission of sins. The saint can pray only because God has forgiven him his sins. Therefore, if we would only recognize our sins, we would find their remedy in prayer.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
Everyone.
– PPP
St. Augustine, What is God’s Greatest Mercy?
Question 47c
Is God merciful to all who call upon Him?
If [God] gives such [good things] to sinners what must he have reserved for his faithful ones? No, no the earth, [nor heaven]… he gives himself who made heaven…He gives Himself who made heaven. Heaven is beautiful, but […]
St. Augustine, How Do I Get God To Be Merciful To Me?
Question 47b
Is God merciful to all who call upon Him?
The scepter of justice is the scepter of the kingdom… It is necessary that for every injustice, great or small, punishment follows – either by the man himself who repents, or by God who distributes justice. Further, he who repents is already punishing himself. Therefore let us punish our own sins if we want […]