St. Augustine, How Does Prayer Work With Predestination?
Question 027. How does our prayer play a part in predestination? It is precisely by our prayer that [God] wants to remind us from whom we receive such benefits. For from whom do we receive but from him who it is fitting to ask… [The Church] prays that the incredulous might believe; hence, God converts them to the faith. She prays that believers persevere; hence, God grants them final perseverance. God foreknew that he would [...]
St. Augustine, How Should One Pray for Unbelievers?
Question 026. What about non-believers? For God, who has fulfilled all that he predestines, wants us to pray for the enemies of the faith, too, so that we would in turn see that it is he who gives to the unbelievers, too, the gift of faith. And it is he who makes men who formerly were unwilling, to become men who do will it. from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger. [...]
St. Augustine, Can Our Prayers Obtain Graces for Others?
Question 025. St. Augustine speaks of obtaining grace for oneself through prayer. Can we obtain grace for others through prayer? Is there a social element to prayer? We pray for all the human race, for the entire world, for all people… We do so that they correct themselves and become pure of heart, turning to God and his rectitude, and thus adhere to him…Let us pray for those not yet called, that they may be [...]
St. Augustine, Is There Anything We Can Do On Our Own?
Question 024. Do we really have to pray for God’s grace? Can’t we make it on our own? Give to me what you command of me, and demand of me whatever you want… When the Lord tells us “convert to me and I will convert to you”, what else is he saying than: ‘do what I command you’? And when we say to the Lord: ‘turn to us, Lord, and we will turn to you,’ [...]