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 what our wishes are, for it cannot be unknown to him - but through our prayers, the petitions made in us bring about the proper dispositions of desire with which we ought to receive whatever he grants us… Even when he gives slowly, it is to show us the value of [...]
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 in scripture be pondered. From Revelation 3:20, there is the [...]
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 Old Mirror, Adrian Sinescu, 2016