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I do a great wrong in His sight, when I beseech Him that…

“I do a great wrong in His sight, when I beseech Him that He will hear my prayer, which as I give utterance to it, I do not hear myself. I entreat Him that He will think of me; but I regard neither myself nor Him. Nay, what is worse, turning over corrupt and evil thoughts in mine heart, I thrust a…” quote by Bernard of Clairvaux
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“I do a great wrong in His sight, when I beseech Him that He will hear my prayer, which as I give utterance to it, I do not hear myself. I entreat Him that He will think of me; but I regard neither myself nor Him. Nay, what is worse, turning over corrupt and evil thoughts in mine heart, I thrust a dreadful offensiveness into His presence.”

Bernard of Clairvaux

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Self‑centered prayer neglects true humility, turning worship into a self‑serving act rather than communion with the divine.

In simple terms: Prayer should be humble, not self‑focused.

Key Takeaway

Seek humility in prayer.

Themes

spirituality humility prayer self‑reflection faith

Mood

reflective somber

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • confessional writing
  • spiritual counseling

Key Concepts

self‑absorption ego inner conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you shift focus from self to divine?
  • What practices foster true humility?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on personal desire can alienate divine presence.

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