In true obedience there should be no ‘I want this or that…
““In true obedience there should be no ‘I want this or that to happen’ or ‘I want this or that thing’ but only a pure going out of what is our own. And therefore in the very best kind of prayer that we can pray there should be no ‘give me this particular virtue or way of devotion’ or ‘yes, Lord, give me yourself or eternal life’, or rather ‘Lord, give me only what you will and do, Lord, only what you will and in the way that you will’. This kind of prayer is as far above the former as heaven is above earth.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True prayer surrenders personal desire, aligning wholly with divine will, surpassing self‑centered petitions.
In simple terms: Prayer should be selfless, seeking only what God wills.
Key Takeaway
Let go of personal agendas in prayer.
Themes
spiritual surrender
divine will
humility
prayer
faith
Mood
contemplative
reverent
inspirational
Type
religious
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- spiritual practice
- rituals
Key Concepts
theology
mysticism
self‑transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice selfless prayer?
- What does surrender to a higher will feel like?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on personal wants can limit spiritual depth.