Prayer Quote by Thomas Paine
““He prays dictatorially. When it is sunshine, he prays for rain, and when it is rain, he prays for sunshine. He follows the same idea in everything that he prays for; for what is the amount of all his prayers, but an attempt to make the Almighty change his mind, and act otherwise than he does? It is as if he were to say—- thou knowest not so well as I.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Common Sense, 1776
He demands that the divine alter nature to suit his desires, showing selfishness and a lack of humility.
In simple terms: He wants God to change things just for him.
Key Takeaway
Respect natural order; accept what cannot be changed.
Themes
humility
faith
control
selfishness
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal ambition
- political power
- social expectations
- religious practice
Key Concepts
theism
human will
ego
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever try to force outcomes beyond your control?
- How does humility change your relationship with uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
Assuming divine power can be commanded ignores free will and moral limits.
