His gifts are very great
Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 8, section 17
St. Augustine’s Letter 130 considers a question that can interrupt prayer: why ask if God already knows? His answer directs attention toward the person praying. Supplication exercises the desire by which we receive what God gives. Prayer has a work to do in us, even though it does not supply God with missing information. Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 8, section 17
Augustine then joins continual desire to prayer at stated times with words. Those words help us attend to what we desire and seek its increase. We should preserve both aspects of his counsel. The passage gives no reason to abandon the prayer actually spoken because God knows the heart already. Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 9, section 18
Christ warns against empty repetition based on the belief that many words secure a hearing. He says the Father knows what is needed, and then gives His disciples the Lord’s Prayer. The Father’s knowledge and the command to pray stand together in the Gospel. Knowledge is therefore no obstacle to the prayer Christ teaches. Matthew 6:7-13
When this question arises, we can return to the prayer given by Christ and consider what its petitions ask of our own desires. The Father’s name, kingdom and will come before our particular demands. Prayer can help us receive that order attentively, while we continue to bring real needs before Him. Matthew 6:7-13
Augustine’s counsel invites perseverance with understanding. Speak to God, attend to what is asked and allow the words to call your heart toward Him. The purpose is communion and faithful desire within the life of prayer. It is not to make God less informed until we have finally explained ourselves well enough. Augustine, Letter 130, chapter 8, section 17
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.