Clear Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“It is clear that he does not pray, who, far from uplifting himself to God, requires that God shall lower Himself to him, and who resorts to prayer not to stir the man in us to will what God wills, but only to persuade God to will what the man in us wills.”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologiae, Part I, Question 107, Article 3
He argues that prayer should humble the self, not demand God to conform to personal will.
In simple terms: Prayer should seek God's will, not personal desire.
Key Takeaway
Align prayer with divine purpose.
Themes
humility
spirituality
theology
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- church teaching
- spiritual formation
Key Concepts
divine will
human desire
Questions to Reflect On
- How does true humility change prayer?
- What risks arise when prayer becomes self‑centered?
A Different Perspective
People may misuse prayer to manipulate God.
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