St. Augustine, What Does it Mean to Forgive Trespasses?
Question 59 What does “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” mean? When we pray, Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us, we are reminded of both what we should ask, and what we should do in order to be worthy of receiving what we ask… If you would obtain mercy, be merciful. If you are not humane to men, though you are a man, God will [...]
St. Augustine, What is “Our Daily Bread”?
Question 58 What does “give us this day our daily bread” mean? When we pray, Give us this day our daily bread, the word this day, means this present time, in which we ask for all that makes up temporal blessings…and bread, means the sacrament of believers, which in this present time is necessary in order to obtain this felicity – not in the present time – but in eternity. from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by [...]
St. Augustine, How Do I Do God’s Will?
Question 57 Part III What does “Thy will be done” mean? When we pray... that his will be done by us just as it is done by his angels in heaven. from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger God’s will is done; it shall be done. He Himself accomplishes it. In heaven, God’s will is, in the eschatological hic et nunc, ever done by His angels and saints. Here on earth, [...]