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 the Lord’s Prayer. from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger [...]
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 praise the Giver, not the gift. from St. Augustine Answers [...]
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 to be victorious in overcoming this world. Pray with hope, pray with faith and [...]