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In the moment when you make the least petition to God…

“In the moment when you make the least petition to God, though it be but a silent wish that he may approve you, or add one moment to your life,--do you not, in the very act, necessarily exclude all other beings from your thought? In that act, the soul stands alone with God, and Jesus is no more…” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“In the moment when you make the least petition to God, though it be but a silent wish that he may approve you, or add one moment to your life,--do you not, in the very act, necessarily exclude all other beings from your thought? In that act, the soul stands alone with God, and Jesus is no more present to your mind than your brother or your child.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

The act of selfish prayer isolates the self from others, making the divine interaction exclusive and neglecting communal responsibility.

In simple terms: Selfish prayer separates you from others.

Key Takeaway

Consider others in your prayers.

Themes

individualism spirituality responsibility

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal prayer
  • group worship
  • ethical decision making
  • community service

Key Concepts

selfishness solitude divine focus

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your prayer affect those around you?
  • Can you include others in your spiritual intentions?
A Different Perspective

Prayer that ignores others can harm relationships and social cohesion.

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