THE CONDITION OF PRAYER

"Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name," said Christ to His disciples, "I will do it." But there is a condition to be observed here. Jesus signified Himself as 'Saviour' and He is a Saviour not only when He does what we ask, but when He does not answer our prayers since if He sees us asking what is contrary to our salvation, He answers by NOT granting our request, thus acting as a true Saviour. 

For the physician knows what is beneficial to one's health and what is harmful. Therefore, when the patient asks for things contrary to his health, the physician acts as a saviour by not granting the harmful request. Then, when we ask in the name of the Saviour, let us not ask anything contrary to our salvation.

St. Augustine

(07-30-03)