St. Augustine, How Is It That My Inclination to Pray Is a Part of My Nature?
Question 019. Does that mean that my inclination to pray is part of my nature? That I have come prepackaged for an encounter with God? [Jesus] being glorified in his resurrection and ascension, brought many rich men to hold this present world in disdain, and thus truly enriching them by granting them the Holy Spirit and thereby extinguishing all longing for wealth. Otherwise, how could you have such a desire for prayer if your hope [...]
St. Augustine, Isn’t This Just “Navel Gazing”?
Question 017. But isn’t the “going into ourselves” thing narcissistic? More than an introversion, prayer is a transcendence of oneself. Do not wander outside of yourself, but return into yourself, for within the interior man dwells the truth. And when you discover that you too are mutable, transcend yourself. You transcend a reasoning soul. Therefore, gravitate towards that place where your reason is illuminated… You [God] were more internal than what was intimate in me, [...]
St. Augustine, Where Should I Go to Find God?
Question 016. Where should I look for God? It is difficult to find Christ in the crowd. Your mind needs a certain solitude, for it is only by this type of contemplative solitude that God is seen… purify the chamber of your heart. Regardless of where you are, there pray, for he who dwells within, hears you. from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger. We look for the One who [...]