CCC 2559 "Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God."2 But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or "out of the depths" of a humble and contrite heart?3 He who humbles himself will be exalted;4 humility is the foundation of prayer, Only when we humbly acknowledge that "we do not know how to pray as we ought,"5 are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. "Man is a beggar before God."6
If humility is the foundation of prayer, then gratitude is path to humility!
Think about it: we have a whole day dedicated to nurturing the foundation of Christian prayer: Thanksgiving Day.
Notes
2 St. John Damascene, Defide orth. 3,24:PG 94,1089C.
3 Ps 130:1.
4 Cf. Lk 18:9-14.
5 Rom 8:26.
6 St. Augustine, Sermo 56,6,9:PL 38,381.
3 Ps 130:1.
4 Cf. Lk 18:9-14.
5 Rom 8:26.
6 St. Augustine, Sermo 56,6,9:PL 38,381.
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That title reminded of the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. In this case we are Lazarus and Elohim is the Rich Man, but He doesn't ignore us starving and pleading outside for His love and grace. He brings us in and feeds us with the Eucharist and clothes us with His grace.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I just thought I would share that flash of inspiration I had as I read the title of your post.
Thank you for reading.
May God bless you in your priestly ministry,
Contra