in tears rather than in words
Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 10, section 20
In Letter 130, St. Augustine distinguishes prolonged prayer from excessive speaking. A heart can continue in prayer while words remain few. He speaks of tears and groaning as well as spoken petitions, directing attention toward the desire addressed to God. The distinction lets us consider the purpose of our words. Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 10, section 20
His next paragraph explains that words help us consider what we ask. They do not inform God of something unknown or compel His compliance. Words retain a genuine place in prayer, while their number is freed from the task of controlling its outcome. Augustine’s concern is attentive petition, rather than a universal limit on how long prayer may last. Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 11, section 21
Christ warns against the belief that many words will make the Father hear us. He grounds His instruction in the Father’s knowledge of our needs. The warning addresses empty verbosity and its purpose. It does not cancel the Lord’s Prayer that follows or forbid every repeated petition offered faithfully. Matthew 6:7-8
A person weary or overwhelmed may begin with a simple petition whose meaning can actually be attended to. A longer prayer may also be offered with attention. These possibilities belong under the same responsibility: turn the heart toward the God being addressed, rather than measuring faith by how much can be said. Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 10, section 20
Let the prayer Christ gives guide the desire Augustine discusses. Speak its petitions carefully, or bring a real need before God with the words available to you. The source permits tears and weakness within prayer. We need not manufacture an impressive performance before beginning to ask the Father for mercy and help. Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 10, section 20
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Augustine, Letter 130. Source. Translated by J.G. Cunningham. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 1. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1887.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1102130.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.