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Greco-Christian stream·Opera Omnia Sancti Thomae (Complete Works of Thomas Aquinas)·Summa Theologiae·Secunda Secundae·Q83. Prayer

Source context
Theme
nature, conditions, and efficacy of Christian prayer as petition and union with God
Soul-faculty
Consciousness Soul

Steiner

  • GA 97, 1907-02-04Steiner identifies the basic mood of Christian prayer as self-surrender toward union with the Father, structured across the sevenfold nature of the human being, with the Lord's Prayer as the supreme exemplar of this orientation.
  • GA 97, 1907-03-06Steiner distinguishes Christian prayer from petitionary self-interest, holding that prayer on behalf of personal affairs does not constitute Christian prayer; the great cosmic prayers were drawn from profound spiritual wisdom by those who transmitted them to humanity.
  • GA 96, 1907-01-28Steiner treats the Lord's Prayer as an esoteric study in the relationship between prayer and meditation, linking it to the mood expressed by Christ in Gethsemane as the normative posture for any authentic prayer.
  • GA 59, 1910-02-17Steiner affirms that true prayer has developmental force for the soul regardless of the soul's stage of advancement.
  • GA 69e, 1913-11-10Steiner describes the Lord's Prayer as universally efficacious across all levels of spiritual development, containing intrinsic power independent of the practitioner's knowledge of its inner laws.
  • GA 344, 1922-09-11Steiner addresses the role of the Lord's Prayer in liturgical and individual contexts, recognizing its fitness for both communal recitation and private devotion.

Cross-tradition

  • Neoplatonic theurgy (Proclus, Iamblichus)Neoplatonic theurgical prayer is directed not toward changing the divine will but toward aligning the soul with the divine order, a structural parallel to Aquinas's emphasis that prayer disposes the petitioner rather than alters divine providence.
  • Islamic theology (du'a and tawakkul)Islamic petitionary prayer (du'a) is paired with tawakkul (reliance on God), exhibiting a cross-tradition congruence with Aquinas's account of prayer as compatible with divine foreknowledge through the doctrine of secondary causality.
  • Jewish liturgical theology (kavvanah)The rabbinic concept of kavvanah (directed intention in prayer) parallels Aquinas's insistence that prayer requires attentiveness of mind as a condition for its merit and efficacy.

Q83. Prayer

Article 1

[II-II.q.83.a.1.arg.1] It would seem that prayer is an act of the appetitive power. It belongs to prayer to be heard. Now it is the desire that is heard by God, according to Psalm 9:38, "The Lord hath heard the desire of the poor." Therefore prayer is desire. But desire is an act of the appetitive power: and therefore prayer is also.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.arg.1] Ad primum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod in celebratione hujus sacramenti Christus non immoletur. Dicitur enim Hebr., x, 14, quod Christus una oblatione consummavit in sempiternum sanctificatos. Sed illa oblatio fuit ejus immolatio. Christus ergo non immolatur in celebratione hujus sacramenti.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.arg.2] Further, Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iii): "It is useful to begin everything with prayer, because thereby we surrender ourselves to God and unite ourselves to Him." Now union with God is effected by love which belongs to the appetitive power. Therefore prayer belongs to the appetitive power.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.arg.2] 2. Præterea, immolatio Christi facta est in cruce, in qua tradidit semetipsum oblationem et hostiam Deo in odorem sua-vitatis, ut dicitur Eph., v, 2. Sed in celebratione hujus mysterii Christus non crucifigitur. Ergo nec immolatur.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.arg.3] Further, the Philosopher states (De Anima iii, 6) that there are two operations of the intellective part. Of these the first is "the understanding of indivisibles," by which operation we apprehend what a thing is: while the second is "synthesis" and "analysis," whereby we apprehend that a thing is or is not. To these a third may be added, namely, "reasoning," whereby we proceed from the known to the unknown. Now prayer is not reducible to any of these operations. Therefore it is an operation, not of the intellective, but of the appetitive power.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.arg.3] 3. Præterea, sicut Augustinus dicit in lib. IV De Trin., cap. xiv, col. 901, t. 8, in immolatione Christi idem est sacerdos et hostia. Sed in celebratione hujus sacramenti non est idem sacerdos et hostia. Ergo celebratio hujus sacramenti non est Christi immolatio.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.sc] Isidore says (Etym. x) that "to pray is to speak." Now speech belongs to the intellect. Therefore prayer is an act, not of the appetitive, but of the intellective power.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.sc] Sed contra est quod Augustinus dicit in libro Sententiarum Prosperi: « Semel 2 immolatus est in semetipso Christus, et tamen quotidie immolatur in sacramento. »

[II-II.q.83.a.1.co] According to Cassiodorus [Comment. in Psalm 38:13 "prayer [oratio] is spoken reason [oris ratio]." Now the speculative and practical reason differ in this, that the speculative merely apprehends its object, whereas the practical reason not only apprehends but causes. Now one thing is the cause of another in two ways: first perfectly, when it necessitates its effect, and this happens when the effect is wholly subject to the power of the cause; secondly imperfectly, by merely disposing to the effect, for the reason that the effect is not wholly subject to the power of the cause. Accordingly in this way the reason is cause of certain things in two ways: first, by imposing necessity; and in this way it belongs to reason, to command not only the lower powers and the members of the body, but also human subjects, which indeed is done by commanding; secondly, by leading up to the effect, and, in a way, disposing to it, and in this sense the reason asks for something to be done by things not subject to it, whether they be its equals or its superiors. Now both of these, namely, to command and to ask or beseech, imply a certain ordering, seeing that man proposes something to be effected by something else, wherefore they pertain to the reason to which it belongs to set in order. For this reason the Philosopher says (Ethic. i, 13) that the "reason exhorts us to do what is best."

Now in the present instance we are speaking of prayer [This last paragraph refers to the Latin word 'oratio' [prayer] which originally signified a speech, being derived in the first instance from 'os,' 'oris' (the mouth).] as signifying a beseeching or petition, in which sense Augustine [Rabanus, De Univ. vi, 14: says (De Verb. Dom.) that "prayer is a petition," and Damascene states (De Fide Orth. iii, 24) that "to pray is to ask becoming things of God." Accordingly it is evident that prayer, as we speak of it now, is an act of reason.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod duplici ratione celebratio hujus sacramenti dicitur immolatio Christi: primo quidem quia, sicut dicit Augustinus Ad Simplicianum, lib. II, qu. 111, §2, col. 143, t. 6, « solent imagines earum rerum nominibus appellari quarum imagines sunt; velut cum intuentes tabulam aut parietem pictum dicimus: Ille Cicero est, et ille Sallustius. » Celebratio autem hujus sacramenti, sicut supra dictum est, imago quædam est repræsentativa passionis Christi, quæ est vera 5 immolatio 4. Unde Ambrosius 5 dicit, Sup. cx epist. ad Hebr., sunt adjudicanda et non Lanfranco, qui solummodo brevius Augustini textum refert. 5 Sic legitur in Decr., dist. 11 de consecr., c. 111, col. 1756, licet Commentarius in ep. ad Hebræos non sit Ambrosii. in illud: Umbram enim, etc.: « In Christo semel oblata est hostia, ad salutem sem-piternam potens; quid ergo nos? nonne per singulos dies offerimus? sed ad recordationem mortis ejus. » Alio modo quantum ad effectum passionis 1, quia scilicet per hoc sacramentum participes efficimur fructus dominicæ passionis. Unde in quadam dominicali oratione secreta dicitur: « Quoties hujus hostia commemoratio celebratur, opus nostræ redemptionis exercetur. » Quantum igitur ad primum modum poterat dici Christus immolari etiam in figuris veteris Testamenti. Unde et Apoc., xiii, 8, dicitur: Quorum non sunt scripta nomina in libro vitæ Agni, qui occisus est ab origine mundi. Sed quantum ad secundum modum, proprium est huic sacramento quod in ejus celebratione Christus immoletur.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.ad.1] The Lord is said to hear the desire of the poor, either because desire is the cause of their petition, since a petition is like the interpreter of a desire, or in order to show how speedily they are heard, since no sooner do the poor desire something than God hears them before they put up a prayer, according to the saying of Isaiah 65:24, "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will hear."

[II-II.q.83.a.1.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod, sicut Ambrosius ibidem dicit, « una est hostia, » quam scilicet Christus obtulit, et nos offerimus, « et non multæ, quia semel oblatus est Christus. » Hoc autem sacrificium exemplum est illius. Sicut enim quod ubique offertur, unum est corpus, et non multa corpora, ita et unum sacrificium.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.ad.2] As stated above (I, 82, 4; I-II, 9, 1, ad 3), the will moves the reason to its end: wherefore nothing hinders the act of reason, under the motion of the will, from tending to an end such as charity which is union with God. Now prayer tends to God through being moved by the will of charity, as it were, and this in two ways. First, on the part of the object of our petition, because when we pray we ought principally to ask to be united to God, according to Psalm 26:4, "One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." Secondly, on the part of the petitioner, who ought to approach the person whom he petitions, either locally, as when he petitions a man, or mentally, as when he petitions God. Hence Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iii) that "when we call upon God in our prayers, we unveil our mind in His presence": and in the same sense Damascene says (De Fide Orth. iii, 24) that "prayer is the raising up of the mind to God."

[II-II.q.83.a.1.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod, sicut celebratio hujus sacramenti est imago representativa passionis Christi, ita altare est representativum crucis ipsius, in qua Christus in propria specie immolatus est.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.ad.3] These three acts belong to the speculative reason, but to the practical reason it belongs in addition to cause something by way of command or of petition, as stated above.

[II-II.q.83.a.1.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod per eam-dem rationem etiam sacerdos gerit imaginem Christi, in cujus persona et virtute verba pronuntiat ad consecrandum, ut ex supra dictis patet. Et ita quodammodo idem est sacerdos et hostia.

Article 2

[II-II.q.83.a.2.arg.1] It would seem that it is unbecoming to pray. Prayer seems to be necessary in order that we may make our needs known to the person to whom we pray. But according to Matthew 6:32, "Your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things." Therefore it is not becoming to pray to God.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.arg.1] Ad secundum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod inconvenienter sit determinatum tempus celebrationis hujus mysterii. Hoc enim sacramentum est repræsentativum dominicæ passionis, ut dictum est. Sed commemoratio dominicæ passionis fit in Ecclesia semel in anno; dicit enim Augustinus, enarr. In 11 sup. xx1, §4, col. 174, t. 4: « Quoties Pascha celebratur, num-qid toties Christus moritur? Sed tamen anversaria recordatio repræsentat quod olivactum est; et sic nos facit moveri, tam, n videamus in cruce pendentem Domi. » Ergo hoc sacramentum non debet orari nisi semel in anno.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.arg.2] Further, by prayer we bend the mind of the person to whom we pray, so that he may do what is asked of him. But God's mind is unchangeable and inflexible, according to 1 Samuel 15:29, "But the Triumpher in Israel will not spare, and will not be moved to repentance." Therefore it is not fitting that we should pray to God.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.arg.2] 2. Præterea, passio Christi commemoratur in Ecclesia sexta feria ante Pascha, non autem in festo Natali. Cum ergo hoc sacramentum sit commemorativum dominicæ passionis, videtur inconveniens esse quod in die Natalis ter celebretur hoc sacramentum, in Parasceve autem totaliter intermittatur.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.arg.3] Further, it is more liberal to give to one that asks not, than to one who asks because, according to Seneca (De Benefic. ii, 1), "nothing is bought more dearly than what is bought with prayers." But God is supremely liberal. Therefore it would seem unbecoming to pray to God.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.arg.3] 3. Præterea, in celebratione hujus sacramenti Ecclesia debet imitari institutionem Christi. Sed Christus consecravit hoc sacramentum hora serotina. Ergo videtur quod hora tali debeat hoc sacramentum celebrari.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.sc] It is written (Luke 18:1): "We ought always to pray, and not to faint."

[II-II.q.83.a.2.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur Luc. xviii, 1: Oportet semper orare, et non deficere.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.co] Among the ancients there was a threefold error concerning prayer. Some held that human affairs are not ruled by Divine providence; whence it would follow that it is useless to pray and to worship God at all: of these it is written (Malachi 3:14): "You have said: He laboreth in vain that serveth God." Another opinion held that all things, even in human affairs, happen of necessity, whether by reason of the unchangeableness of Divine providence, or through the compelling influence of the stars, or on account of the connection of causes: and this opinion also excluded the utility of prayer. There was a third opinion of those who held that human affairs are indeed ruled by Divine providence, and that they do not happen of necessity; yet they deemed the disposition of Divine providence to be changeable, and that it is changed by prayers and other things pertaining to the worship of God. All these opinions were disproved in I, 19, 7,8; I, 22, 2,4; I, 115, 6; I, 116. Wherefore it behooves us so to account for the utility of prayer as neither to impose necessity on human affairs subject to Divine providence, nor to imply changeableness on the part of the Divine disposition.

In order to throw light on this question we must consider that Divine providence disposes not only what effects shall take place, but also from what causes and in what order these effects shall proceed. Now among other causes human acts are the causes of certain effects. Wherefore it must be that men do certain actions. not that thereby they may change the Divine disposition, but that by those actions they may achieve certain effects according to the order of the Divine disposition: and the same is to be said of natural causes. And so is it with regard to prayer. For we pray not that we may change the Divine disposition, but that we may impetrate that which God has disposed to be fulfilled by our prayers in other words "that by asking, men may deserve to receive what Almighty God from eternity has disposed to give," as Gregory says (Dial. i, 8)

[II-II.q.83.a.2.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut dictum est, in celebratione hujus mysterii attenditur repræsentatio dominicæ passionis, et participatio fructus ejus. Et secundum utrumque oportuit determinare tempus aptum celebrationi hujus sacramenti. Quia enim fructu dominicæ passionis quotidie indigemus propter quotidianos defectus, quotidie in Ecclesia regulariter hoc sacramentum offertur. Unde et Dominus nos petere docet Luc., xi, 3: Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie; quod exponens Augustinus in libro De verbis Domini: dicit: «Si quotidianus est panis, cur post annum illum sumis quemadmodum Græci in Oriente facere consueverunt? Accipe quotidie, quod quotidie tibi prosit. » Quia vero dominica passio celebrata est a tertia hora usque ad nonam, ideo regulariter in illa parte diei solemniter hoc sacramentum in Ecclesia celebratur.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.ad.1] We need to pray to God, not in order to make known to Him our needs or desires but that we ourselves may be reminded of the necessity of having recourse to God's help in these matters.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod in hoc sacramento recolitur passio Christi, secundum quod ejus effectus ad fideles derivatur; sed tempore passionis recolitur passio Christi solum secundum hoc quod in ipso capite nostro fuit perfecta, quod quidem factum est semel; quotidie autem fructum dominicæ passionis fideles percipiunt: et ideo illa commemoratio fit semel in anno, hoc autem quotidie et propter fructum, et propter jugem memoriam.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.ad.2] As stated above, our motive in praying is, not Divine disposition, we may change the Divine disposition, but that, by our prayers, we may obtain what God has appointed.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod veniente veritate, cessat figura. Hoc autem sacramentum est figura quædam et exemplum dominicæ passionis, sicut dictum est. Et ideo in die quo ipsa passio Domini recolitur, prout realiter gesta est, non celebratur consecratio hujus sacramenti. Ne tamen Ecclesia ea etiam die sit sine fructu passionis per hoc sacramentum nobis exhibito, corpus Christi consecratum die pracedenti reservatur sumendum in illo die; non autem sanguis, propter periculum, et quia sanguis specialius est imago dominicæ passionis, ut supra dictum est. Nec verum est quod quidam dicunt quod per immissionem particulæ corporis Christi in vinum convertatur vinum in sanguinem. Hoc enim aliter fieri non potest quam per consecrationem factam sub debita forma verborum. In die autem Nativitatis plures missæ celebrantur propter triplicem Christi nativitatem. Quarum una est æterna, quæ quantum ad nos est occulta; et ideo una missa cantatur in nocte, in cujus introitu dicitur: Dominus dixit ad me: Filius meus es tu; ego hodie genui te. Alia autem est temporalis, sed spiritualis, qua scilicet Christus oritur, tamquam lucifer in cordibus nostris, ut dicitur II Petr., 1, et propter hoc cantatur missa in aurora; in cujus in-troitu dicitur: «Lux fulgebit hodie super nos.» Tertia est Christi nativitas temporalis et corporalis, secundum quam visibilis nobis processit ex utero virginali, carne indutus: et ob hoc cantatur tertio missa in plena 2 luce, in cujus introitu dicitur: «Puer natus est nobis.» Licet e converso possit dici quod nativitas æterna secundum se est in plena luce, et ob hoc in Evangelio tertiae missæ fit mentio de nativitate æterna. Secundum autem nativitatem corporalem ad litteram natus est de nocte, in signum quod veniebat ad tenebras infirmitatis nostræ; unde et in missa nocturna dicitur Evangelium de corporali Christi nativitate. Sic etiam et in aliis diebus, in quibus occurrunt plura Dei beneficia vel recolenda vel expetenda, plures missæ celebrantur in die, puta una pro festo, et alia pro jejunio vel pro mortuis.

[II-II.q.83.a.2.ad.3] God bestows many things on us out of His liberality, even without our asking for them: but that He wishes to bestow certain things on us at our asking, is for the sake of our good, namely, that we may acquire confidence in having recourse to God, and that we may recognize in Him the Author of our goods. Hence Chrysostom says [Implicitly [Hom. ii, de Orat.: Hom. xxx in Genes.]; Cf. Caten. Aur. on Luke 18: "Think what happiness is granted thee, what honor bestowed on thee, when thou conversest with God in prayer, when thou talkest with Christ, when thou askest what thou wilt, whatever thou desirest."

[II-II.q.83.a.2.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod, sicut supra dictum est, Christus voluit ultimo hoc sacramentum discipulis suis tradere, ut fortius eorum cordibus imprimeretur; et ideo post cœnam in fine diei hoc sacramentum consecravit, et discipulis suis tradidit. A nobis tamen celebratur hora dominicæ passionis, scilicet diebus festis in tertia, quando crucifixus est linguis Judæorum, ut dicitur Marc., xv, et quando Spiritus sanctus descendit super discipulos; vel diebus profestis in sexta, quando crucifixus est manibus militum, ut habetur Joan., xix; vel diebus jejuniorum in nona, quando voce magna clamans emisit spiritum, ut dicitur Matth., xxvii. Potest tamen tardari, maxime quando sunt ordines faciendi, et præcipue in sabbato sancto, tum propter prolixitatem officii, tum quia ordines pertinent ad diem dominicam, ut habetur in Decret., distinct. Lxxv, cap. « Quod a patribus, » col. 367. Possunt tamen etiam 5 Missæ celebrari in prima parte diei propter aliquam necessitatem, ut dicitur De consecrat., distinct. 1, cap. « Necesse est, » col. 1722.

Article 3

[II-II.q.83.a.3.arg.1] It would seem that prayer is not an act of religion. Since religion is a part of justice, it resides in the will as in its subject.

But prayer belongs to the intellective part, as stated above (Article 1). Therefore prayer seems to be an act, not of religion, but of the gift of understanding whereby the mind ascends to God.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.arg.1] Ad tertium sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod non oporteat hoc sacramentum ce- Joannes loquitur de Maria Magdalene solebrari in domo et vasis sacris. Hoc enim sacramentum est repræsentativum dominicæ passionis. Sed Christus non est passus in domo, sed extra portam civitatis, secundum illud Hebr., 1, 12: Jesus, ut sanctificaret per suum sanguinem populum, extra portam passus est. Ergo videtur quod hoc sacramentum non debeat celebrari in domo, sed magis sub dio.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.arg.2] Further, the act of "latria" falls under a necessity of precept.

But prayer does not seem to come under a necessity of precept, but to come from the mere will, since it is nothing else than a petition for what we will. Therefore prayer seemingly is not an act of religion.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.arg.2] 2. Præterea, in celebratione hujus sacramenti debet Ecclesia imitari morem Christi et apostolorum. Sed domus, in qua primo Christus hoc sacramentum confecit, non fuit consecrata, sed fuit quoddam commune cœnaculum a quodam patrefamilias præparatum, ut habetur Luc., xxii; legitur etiam Act., 11, 46, quod apostoli erant perdurantes unanimiter in templo, et frangentes circa domos panem, sumebant cibum cum exultatione. Ergo nec modo oportet domos esse consecratas in quibus hoc sacramentum celebratur.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.arg.3] Further, it seems to belong to religion that one "offers worship end ceremonial rites to the Godhead" [Cicero, Rhet. ii, 53. But prayer seems not to offer anything to God, but to. ask to obtain something from Him. Therefore prayer is not an act of religion.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.arg.3] 3. Præterea, nihil frustra in Ecclesia fieri debet, quæ Spiritu sancto gubernatur. Sed frustra videtur adhiberi consecratio ecclesiæ vel altari, et hujusmodi rebus inanimatis quæ non sunt susceptivæ gratiae, vel spiritualis virtutis. Inconvenienter igitur hujusmodi consecrationes in Ecclesia fiunt.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.sc] It is written (Psalm 140:2): "Let my prayer be directed as incense in Thy sight": and a gloss on the passage says that "it was to signify this that under the old Law incense was said to be offered for a sweet smell to the Lord." Now this belongs to religion. Therefore prayer is an act of religion.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.sc] Sed contra est quod ea quæ per Ecclesiæ statuuntur, ab ipso Christo ordinantur, qui dicit Matth., xviii, 20: Ubicumque fuerint duo vel tres congregati in nomine meo, ibi sum in medio eorum.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.co] As stated above (81, 2,4), it belongs properly to religion to show honor to God, wherefore all those things through which reverence is shown to God, belong to religion. Now man shows reverence to God by means of prayer, in so far as he subjects himself to Him, and by praying confesses that he needs Him as the Author of his goods. Hence it is evident that prayer is properly an act of religion.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod in his quæ circumstant hoc sacramentum, duo considerantur: quod unum pertinet ad representationem eorum quæ circa dominicam passionem sunt acta: aliud autem pertinet ad reverentiam hujus sacramenti, in quo Christus secundum veritatem continetur, et non solum in figura. Unde et consecrationes adhibentur his rebus quæ veniunt in usum hujus sacramenti, tum propter sacramenti reverentiam, tum ad representationem effectum sanctitatis quæ ex passione Christi provenit, secundum illud Hebr., ult., 42: Jesus ut sanctificaret per suum sanguinem populum, etc.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.ad.1] The will moves the other powers of the soul to its end, as stated above (82, 1, ad 1), and therefore religion, which is in the will, directs the acts of the other powers to the reverence of God. Now among the other powers of the soul the intellect is the highest, and the nearest to the will; and consequently after devotion which belongs to the will, prayer which belongs to the intellective part is the chief of the acts of religion, since by it religion directs man's intellect to God.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod regulariter hoc sacramentum celebrari debet in domo, per quam significatur Ecclesia, secundum illud I Timoth., 11, 45: Ut scias quomodo oporteat te in domo Dei conversari, quæ est ecclesia Dei vivi. Extra Ecclesiam enim non est locus veri sacrificii, ut Augustinus dicit in lib. Sent. Prosper., cap. xv, col. 1860, t. 10. Et quia Ecclesia non erat conclusenda sub finibus gentis Judaicæ, sed erat in universo mundo fundanda, ideo passio Christi non est celebrata intra civitatem Judæorum, sed sub dio, ut sic totus mundus se haberet ad passionem Christi ut domus; et tamen, ut dicitur De consecratione, dist. 1, cap. « Concedimus, » col. 1715: « Initinere positis, si ecclesia defuerit, sub dio, seu in tentoriis, si tabula altaris consecrata cæteraque sacra ministeria ad id officium pertinentia ibi affuerint, missarum solemnia celebrari concedimus. »

[II-II.q.83.a.3.ad.2] It is a matter of precept not only that we should ask for what we desire, but also that we should desire aright. But to desire comes under a precept of charity, whereas to ask comes under a precept of religion, which precept is expressed in Matthew 7:7, where it is said: "Ask and ye shall receive" [Vulgate: 'Ask and it shall be given you.'].

[II-II.q.83.a.3.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod domus in qua hoc sacramentum celebratur Ecclesiam significat, et ecclesia nomina-tur; convenienter tamen consecratur, tum ad repræsentandam sanctificationem quam Ecclesia consecuta est per passionem Christi, tum etiam ad significandam sanctitatem quæ requiritur in his qui hoc sacramentum suscipere debent. Per altare autem significatur ipse Christus, de quo dicit Apostolus, Hebr., ult., 15: « Per ipsum offerimus hostiam laudis Deo. Unde et consecratio altaris significat sanctitatem Christi, de qua dicitur Luc., 1, 35: « Quod ex te nascetur sanctum, vocabitur Filius Dei. Unde De consecratione dist. 1, cap. xxxii, col. 1715, dicitur: « Altaria placuit non solum unctione chrismatis, sed etiam sacerdotali benedictione sacrari. » Et ideo regulariter non licet celebrare hoc sacramentum nisi in domibus consecratis. Unde, sicut habetur De consecratione, dist. 1, cap. xv, col. 1710, « nullus presbyter missas celebrare præsumat, nisi in sacratis ab episcopo locis. » Propter quod etiam quia pagani non sunt de Ecclesia, nec alii infideles, ideo in eadem distinctione, cap. xxviii, col. 1714, legitur: « Ecclesiam, in qua mortuorum cadavera infidelium sepeliuntur, sanctificare non licet; sed si apta videtur ad consecrandam, inde evulsis corporibus, et rasis parietibus vel tignis ejus loci, reædificetur; sed si hæc consecrata ante fuerit, missas in ea celebrare licet, si tamen fideles fuerint qui in ea sepulti sunt. » Propter necessitatem tamen potest hoc sacramentum peragi in domibus non consecratis vel violatis; sed tamen de consensu episcopi. Unde in eadem distinctione, cap. xxii, col. 1709, legitur: « Missarum solemnia non ubique, sed in locis ab episcopo consecratis, vel ubi ipse permiserit, celebranda esse censemus. » Non tamen sine altari portatili per episcopum consecrato. Unde in eadem dist., cap. xxx, col. 1715, legitur: « Concedimus si ecclesiæ fuerint incensæ et combustæ, in capellis cum tabula consecrata missas celebrari. » Quia enim sanctitas Christi fons est totius ecclesiasticæ sanctitatis, ideo in necessitate sufficit ad peragendum hoc sacramentum altare sanctificatum. Propter quod etiam nunquam ecclesia sine altari consecratur. Tamen sine ecclesia quandoque consecratur altare cum reliquiis sanctorum, quorum vita abscondita est cum Christo in Deo, Coloss., III. Unde in eadem distinctione, cap. xxvi, col. 1713, legitur: « Placuit ut altaria in quibus nullum corpus aut reliquiæ martyrum conditæ probantur, ab episcopis, qui locis eisdem præsunt, si fieri potest, evertantur. »

[II-II.q.83.a.3.ad.3] By praying man surrenders his mind to God, since he subjects it to Him with reverence and, so to speak, presents it to Him, as appears from the words of Dionysius quoted above (1, Objection 1). Wherefore just as the human mind excels exterior things, whether bodily members, or those external things that are employed for God's service, so too, prayer surpasses other acts of religion.

[II-II.q.83.a.3.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod ecclesia et altare, et alia hujusmodi inanimata consecrantur, non quia sint gratiae susceptiva, sed quia ex consecratione adipiscentur quamdam spiritualem virtutem, per quam apta redduntur divino cultui, ut scilicet homines devotionem quamdam exinde percipiant, ut sint paratiores ad divina, nisi hoc propter irreverentiam impediatur. Unde et II Machab., III, 38, dicitur: Vere Dei quædam virtus est in loco; nam ipse qui habet in cælis habitationem, visitator et adjutor est loci illius. Et inde est quod hujusmodi ante consecrationem emundantur et exorcizantur, ut exinde virtus inimici pellatur. Et eadem ratione ecclesiæ quæ sanguinis effusione, aut cujuscumque semine pollutæ fuerint, reconciliantur, quia per peccatum ibi commissum apparet ibi aliqua operatio inimici. Propter quod etiam in eadem dist., cap. xxi, col. 1712, legitur: « Ecclesias Arianorum, ubicumque inveneritis, catholicas eas divinis precibus et operibus absque ulla mora consecrate. » Unde et quidam probabiliter dicunt quod per ingressum ecclesiæ consecratæ homo consequitur remissionem peccatorum venialium, sicut et per aspersionem aquæ benedictæ, inducentes quod in psal. Lxxxiv, 1, dicitur: Benedixisti, Domine, terram tuam, remisisti iniquitatem plebis tuæ. Et ideo propter virtutem quæ ex consecratione ecclesiæ acquiritur, consecratio ecclesiæ non iteratur. Unde in eadem distinctione, cap. xx, col. 1712, ex concilio Nicæno legitur: « Ecclesiis semel Deo consecratis non debet iterum consecratio adhiberi, nisi aut ab igne exustæ, aut sanguinis effusione, aut cujuscumque semine pollutæ fuerint; quia sicut infans a qualicumque sacerdote in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti semel baptizatus, non debet iterum baptizari, ita nec locus Deo dicatus iterum consecrandus est, nisi propter eas causas quas superius nominavimus; si tamen fidem sanctæ Trinitatis tenuerint qui eum consecraverunt, » alioquin qui sunt extra Ecclesiam, consecrare non possunt; sed, sicut in eadem distinctione, cap. xviii, col. 1714, legitur, « ecclesiæ vel altaria, quæ ambigua sunt de consecratione, consecrentur. » Propter hoc etiam quod aliquam spiritualem virtutem adipiscuntur per consecrationem, in eadem distinctione, cap. xxxviii, col. 1717, statutum legitur: « Ligna ecclesiæ dedicatæ non debent ad aliud opus jungi, nisi ad aliam ecclesiam, vel igni sunt comburenda, vel ad profectum in monasterio fratribus; in laicorum vero usum non debent admitti. » Et ibidem, cap. xxxix, legitur: « Altaris palla, cathedra, candelabrum et velum, si fuerint vetustate consumpta, incendio dentur; cineres quoque eorum in baptisterium inferantur, aut in pariete aut in fossis pavimentorum jactentur, nec introeuntium pedibus inquinentur. »

Article 4

[II-II.q.83.a.4.arg.1] It would seem that we ought to pray to God alone. Prayer is an act of religion, as stated above (Article 3). But God alone is to be worshiped by religion. Therefore we should pray to God alone.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.arg.1] Ad quartum sic proceditur. 4. Videtur quod inconvenienter ordinentur ea quæ circa hoc sacramentum dicuntur. Hoc enim sacramentum verbis Christi consecratur, ut Ambrosius dicit in lib. IV De sacramentis, cap. iv, § 14, col. 459, t. 3. Non ergo debent aliqua alia in hoc sacramento dici quam verba Christi.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.arg.2] Further, it is useless to pray to one who is ignorant of the prayer. But it belongs to God alone to know one's prayer, both because frequently prayer is uttered by an interior act which God alone knows, rather than by words, according to the saying of the Apostle (1 Corinthians 14:15), "I will pray with the spirit, I will pray also with the understanding": and again because, as Augustine says (De Cura pro mortuis xiii) the "dead, even the saints, know not what the living, even their own children, are doing." Therefore we ought to pray to God alone.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.arg.2] 2. Præterea, verba et facta Christi nobis per Evangelium innotescunt. Sed quædam dicuntur circa consecrationem hujus sacramenti quæ in Evangeliiis non ponuntur: non enim legitur in Evangelio quod Christus in consecratione hujus sacramenti oculos ad cælum levaverit; similiter etiam in Evangeliiis dicitur: Accipite et comedite, nec ponitur « omnes, » cum in celebratione hujus sacramenti dicatur, « Elevatis oculis in cælum, » et iterum: « Accipite et manducate ex hoc omnes. » Inconvenienter ergo hujus modi verba dicuntur in celebratione hujus sacramenti.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.arg.3] Further, if we pray to any of the saints, this is only because they are united to God. Now some yet living in this world, or even some who are in Purgatory, are closely united to God by grace, and yet we do not pray to them. Therefore neither should we pray to the saints who are in Paradise.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.arg.3] 3. Præterea, omnia alia 5 sacramenta 4 In ordinantur ad salutem omnium fidelium. Sed in celebratione aliorum sacramento non fit communis oratio pro salute fidelium etiam 1 defunctorum. Ergo inconvenienter fit in hoc sacramento.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.sc] It is written (Job 5:1), "Call . . . if there be any that will answer thee, and turn to some of the saints."

[II-II.q.83.a.4.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur De consec., dist. 1, cap. xlvii, col. 1720: « Jacobus frater Domini secundum carnem cui primum credita est Jerosolymitana Ecclesia, et Basilius Cæsariensis episcopus ediderunt missæ celebrationem; » ex quorum auctoritate patet convenient singula circa hoc dici.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.co] Prayer is offered to a person in two ways: first, as to be fulfilled by him, secondly, as to be obtained through him. On the first way we offer prayer to God alone, since all our prayers ought to be directed to the acquisition of grace and glory, which God alone gives, according to Psalm 83:12, "The Lord will give grace and glory." But in the second way we pray to the saints, whether angels or men, not that God may through them know our petitions, but that our prayers may be effective through their prayers and merits. Hence it is written (Apocalypse 8:4) that "the smoke of the incense," namely "the prayers of the saints ascended up before God." This is also clear from the very style employed by the Church in praying: since we beseech the Blessed Trinity "to have mercy on us," while we ask any of the saints "to pray for us."

[II-II.q.83.a.4.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod quia in hoc sacramento totum mysterium nostræ salutis comprehenditur, ideo præ cæteris sacramentis cum majori solemnitate agitur. Et quia scriptum est Eccle., iv, 17: Custodi pedem tuum ingrediens domum 1 In 2 Ita cod. Paris., et non tantum editi recentiores, ut dicit Parm. — Alias « psalmus cantatur. » 3 In lecto Evangelio, Symbolum fidei cantatur, in quo populus ostendit se per fidem Christi doctrinæ assentiri. Cantatur autem hoc Symbolum in festis de quibus fit aliqua mentio in Symbolo, sicut in festis Christi, et B. Virginis, et apostolorum qui hanc fidem fundaverunt, et aliis hujusmodi. Sic igitur populo præparato et instructo acceditur ad celebrationem mysterii, quod quidem et offertur ut sacrificium, et consecratur et sumitur ut sacramentum. Unde primo peragitur oblatio; secundo consecratio materiæ oblatæ; tertio ejusdem perceptio. Circa oblationem vero duo aguntur: scilicet laus populi in cantu offertorii, per quod significatur laetitia offerentium; et oratio sacerdotis, qui petit ut oblatio populi sit Deo accepta. Unde et I Paralip., xxix, 17, dixit David: Ego in simplicitate cordis mei lætus obtuli universa hæc, et populum tuum, qui hic repertus est, vidi cum ingenti gaudio tibi offerre donaria; et postea orat dicens: Domine Deus……, custodi hanc voluntatem……. Deinde circa consecrationem, quæ supernaturali virtute agitur, primo excitatur populus ad devotionem in præfatione; unde et monetur « sursum corda habere ad Dominum; » et ideo, finita præfatione, populus devote laudat divinitatem Christi, cum angelis dicens: « Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, » et humanitatem cum pueris dicens: « Benedictus qui venit, etc. » Deinde sacerdos secreto commemorat, primo quidem illos pro quibus hoc sacrificium offertur, scilicet pro universali Ecclesia, et pro his qui in sublimitate sunt constituti, I Timoth., 11, 2, et specialiter quosdam qui offerunt, vel pro quibus offertur. Secundo commemorat sanctos, quorum patrocinia implorat pro prædictis, cum dicit: « Communicantes et memoriam venerantes, etc; » tertio petitionem concludit, cum dicit: « Ut hæc oblatio sit illis pro quibus offertur salutaris. » Deinde accedit ad ipsam consecrationem in qua primo petit consecrationis effectum, cum dicit: « Quam oblationem tu, Deus, etc. » Secundo consecrationem peragit per verba Salvatoris, cum dicit: « Qui pridie, etc. » Tertio excusat præsumptionem per obedientiam ad mandatum Christi, cum dicit: « Unde et me- 2 In 3 In pulis fecit, Joan., xvii, oculos levavit ad Patrem, in hujus sacramenti institute multo magis hoc fecerit tamquam in repotiori. Quod autem dicitur: « Manducate, » et non comedite, non differt quantum ad sensum, nec multum refert quid dicatur, praesertim cum verba illa non sint de forma, ut supra dictum est. Quod autem additur, omnes, intelligitur in verbis Evangelii, licet non exprimatur, quia ipse dixerat Joan., vi, 54: Nisi manducaveritis carnem Filii hominis, non habebitis vitam in vobis. Adtertium dicendum, quod eucharistia est sacramentum totius ecclesiasticæ unitatis: et ideo specialiter in hoc sacramento, magis quam in aliis, debet fieri mentio de omnibus quæ pertinent ad salutem totius Ecclesiæ.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.ad.1] To Him alone do we offer religious worship when praying, from Whom we seek to obtain what we pray for, because by so doing we confess that He is the Author of our goods: but not to those whom we call upon as our advocates in God's presence.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod illi soli impendimus orando religionis cultum, a quo quærimus obtinere quod oramus, quia in hoc protestamur eum bonorum nostrorum auctorem; non autem eis quos requirimus quasi interpellatores nostros apud Deum.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.ad.2] The dead, if we consider their natural condition, do not know what takes place in this world, especially the interior movements of the heart. Nevertheless, according to Gregory (Moral. xii, 21), whatever it is fitting the blessed should know about what happens to us, even as regards the interior movements of the heart, is made known to them in the Word: and it is most becoming to their exalted position that they should know the petitions we make to them by word or thought; and consequently the petitions which we raise to them are known to them through Divine manifestation.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod mortui ea quæ in hoc mundo aguntur, considerata eorum naturali conditione, non cognoscunt, et præcipue interiores motus cordis. Sed beatis, ut Gregorius dicit in XII Moral., cap. xxi, §26, col. 999, t. 1, in Verbo manifestatur illud quod decet eos cognoscere de eis quæ circa nos aguntur, etiam quantum ad interiores motus cordis; maxime autem excellentiam eorum decet ut cognoscant petitiones ad eos factas vel voce, vel corde: et ideo petitiones, quas ad eos dirigimus, Deo manifestante cognoscunt.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.ad.3] Those who are in this world or in Purgatory, do not yet enjoy the vision of the Word, so as to be able to know what we think or say. Wherefore we do not seek their assistance by praying to them, but ask it of the living by speaking to them.

[II-II.q.83.a.4.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod illi qui sunt in hoc mundo aut in purgatorio, nondum fruuntur visione Verbi, ut possint cognoscere ea quæ nos cogitamus vel dicimus; et ideo eorum suffragia non imploramus orando, sed a vivis petimus colloquendo.

Article 5

[II-II.q.83.a.5.arg.1] It would seem that we ought not to ask for anything definite when we pray to God. According to Damascene (De Fide Orth. iii, 24), "to pray is to ask becoming things of God"; wherefore it is useless to pray for what is inexpedient, according to James 4:3, "You ask, and receive not: because you ask amiss." Now according to Romans 8:26, "we know not what we should pray for as we ought." Therefore we ought not to ask for anything definite when we pray.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.arg.1] Ad quintum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod ea quæ in celebratione hujus sacramenti aguntur, non sint convenientia. In Gloss. interl. corpus Christi in quinque partes frangi deberet magis quam in tres.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.arg.2] Further, those who ask another person for something definite strive to incline his will to do what they wish themselves. But we ought not to endeavor to make God will what we will; on the contrary, we ought to strive to will what He wills, according to a gloss on Psalm 32:1, "Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just." Therefore we ought not to ask God for anything definite when we pray.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.arg.2] 2. Præterea, quicumque aliquid determinate ab alio petit, nititur voluntatem ipsius inclinare ad faciendum id quod ipse vult. Non autem ad hoc tendere debemus ut Deus velit quod nos volumus, sed magis ut nos velimus quod Deus vult, ut dicit Glossa super illud psalm. xxxii: Exultate, justi, in Domino. Ergo non debemus aliquid determinatum a Deo in oratione petere.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.arg.3] Further, evil things are not to be sought from God; and as to good things, God Himself invites us to take them. Now it is useless to ask a person to give you what he invites you to take. Therefore we ought not to ask God for anything definite in our prayers.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.arg.3] 3. Præterea, mala a Deo petenda non sunt; ad bona autem Deus ipse nos invitat. Frustra autem ab aliquo petitur ad quod accipiendum invitatur. Ergo non est determinate aliquid a Deo in oratione petendum.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.sc] our Lord (Matthew 6 and Luke 11) taught His disciples to ask definitely for those things which are contained in the petitions of the Lord's Prayer.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.sc] Sed contra est quod Dominus Matth., vi, et Luc., xi, docuit discipulos determinate petere ea quæ continentur in petitionibus orationis dominicæ.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.co] According to Valerius Maximus [Fact. et Dict. Memor. vii, 2, "Socrates deemed that we should ask the immortal gods for nothing else but that they should grant us good things, because they at any rate know what is good for each one whereas when we pray we frequently ask for what it had been better for us not to obtain." This opinion is true to a certain extent, as to those things which may have an evil result, and which man may use ill or well, such as "riches, by which," as stated by the same authority (Fact. et Dict. Memor. vii, 2), "many have come to an evil end; honors, which have ruined many; power, of which we frequently witness the unhappy results; splendid marriages, which sometimes bring about the total wreck of a family." Nevertheless there are certain goods which man cannot ill use, because they cannot have an evil result. Such are those which are the object of beatitude and whereby we merit it: and these the saints seek absolutely when they pray, as in Psalm 79:4, "Show us Thy face, and we shall be saved," and again in Psalm 118:35, "Lead me into the path of Thy commandments."

[II-II.q.83.a.5.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut supra dictum est, in sacramentis dupliciter aliquid significatur, scilicet verbis et factis, ad hoc quod sit perfectior significatio. Significantur autem verbis in celebratione hujus sacramenti quædam pertinentia ad passionem Christi, quæ repræsentatur in hoc sacramento, vel etiam ad corpus mysticum, quod significatur in hoc sacramento; et quædam pertinentia ad usum hujus sacramenti, qui debet esse cum devotione et reverentia. Et ideo in celebratione hujus mysterii quædam aguntur ad repræsentandam passionem Christi, vel etiam dispositionem corporis mystici, et quædam aguntur pertinentia ad devotionem et reverentiam hujus sacramenti.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.ad.1] Although man cannot by himself know what he ought to pray for, "the Spirit," as stated in the same passage, "helpeth our infirmity," since by inspiring us with holy desires, He makes us ask for what is right. Hence our Lord said (John 4:24) that true adorers "must adore . . . in spirit and in truth."

[II-II.q.83.a.5.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod ablutio manuum fit in celebratione missæ propter reverentiam hujus sacramenti, et hoc dupliciter; primo quidem quia aliqua pretiosa tractare non consuevimus nisi manibus ablutis; unde indecens videtur quod ad tantum sacramentum aliquis accedat manibus etiam corporaliter inquinatis. Secundo propter significationem, quia, ut Dionysius dicit, $^{11}$ cap. Eccles. hierarch., part. $^{11}$, § 10, col. 438, t. 1, extremitatum ablutio significat emundationem etiam a minimis peccatis, secundum illud Joan., $^{11}$, 10: Qui lotus est, non indiget nisi ut pedes lavet. Et talis emundatio requiritur ab eo qui accedit ad hoc sacramentum, quod etiam significatur per confessionem, quæ fit ante introitum missæ. Et hoc idem significabat ablutio sacerdotum in veteri lege, ut ibidem Dionysius dicit. Nec tamen Ecclesia hoc servat tamquam cæremoniale veteris legis præceptum, sed quasi ab Ecclesia institutum, sicut quiddam secundum se conveniens, et ideo non eodem modo observatur sicut tunc: prætermittitur enim pedum ablutio, et servatur ablutio manuum, quæ potest fieri magis in promptu, et quæ sufficit ad significandam perfectam mundationem; cum enim manus sit « organum organorum, » ut dicitur III De anima, text. 38, omnia opera attribuuntur manibus: unde in psalmo xxv, 6, dicitur: Lavabo inter innocentes manus meas.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.ad.2] When in our prayers we ask for things concerning our salvation, we conform our will to God's, of Whom it is written (1 Timothy 2:4) that "He will have all men to be saved."

[II-II.q.83.a.5.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod etiam thurificatione non utimur quasi cæremoniali præcepto legis, sed sicut Ecclesia statuto; unde non eodem modo utimur sicut in lege veteri erat statutum. Pertinet autem ad duo: primo quidem ad reverentiam hujus sacramenti, ut scilicet per bonum odorem depellatur, si quid corporaliter pravi odoris in loco fuerit, quod posset provocare horrorem; secundo pertinet ad repræsentandum effectum gratiae, qua, sicut bono odore, Christus plenus fuit, secundum illud Genes., xvii, 27: Ecce odor filii mei, sicut odor agri pleni; et a Christo derivatur ad fideles officio ministrorum, secundum illud II Cor., ii, 14: Odorem notitiæ suæ spargit per nos in omni loco; et ideo, undique thurificato altari per quod Christus designatur, thurificantur omnes per ordinem.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.ad.3] God so invites us to take good things, that we may approach to them not by the steps of the body, but by pious desires and devout prayers.

[II-II.q.83.a.5.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod sacerdos in celebratione missæ utitur crucesignatione ad exprimendam passionem Christi, quæ ad crucem est terminata. Est autem passio Christi quibusdam quasi gradibus $^1$ In peracta. Nam primo fuit Christi traditio, quæ facta est Juda et Judæis; quod significat trina crucesignatio super illa verba: « Hæc dona, hæc munera, hæc sancta sacrificia illibata. » Secundo fuit Christi venditio: est autem venditus sacerdotibus, Scribis et Pharisæis; ad quod significandum fit iterum trina crucesignatio super illa verba: « Benedictam, adscriptam, ratam; » vel ad ostendendum pretium venditionis, scilicet triginta denarios. Additur autem et duplex crux super illa verba: « Ut nobis corpus et sanguis, » etc., ad designandam personam Judæ venditoris. Tertio autem fuit præsignatio passionis Christi facta in cœna: ad quod designandum fiunt tertio duæ cruces, una in consecratione corporis, alia in consecratione sanguinis; ubi utrobique dicitur, « benedixit. » Quarto autem fuit ipsa passio Christi; unde ad repræsentandum quinque plagas Christi fit quarto quintuplex crucesignatio super illa verba: « Hostiam puram, hostiam sanctam, hostiam immaculatam, panem sanctum vitæ æternæ, et calicem salutis perpetuæ. » Quinto repræsentatur extensio corporis et effusio sanguinis et fructus passionis per trinam crucesignationem quæ fit super illis verbis: « Corpus et sanguinem sumpserimus, omni benedictione, etc. » Sexto repræsentatur triplex oratio quam fecit in cruce; unam pro persecutoribus, cum dixit: Pater ignosce illis; secundam pro liberatione a morte cum dixit: Deus meus, Deus meus, utquid dereliquisti me? tertia pertinet ad adeptionem gloriæ, cum dixit: Pater in manus tuas commendo spiritum meum; et ad hoc significandum fit trina crucesignatio super illa verba: « Sanctificas, vivificas, benedicis, etc. » Septimo repræsentantur tres horæ quibus pependit in cruce, scilicet a sexta usque ad horam nonam; et ad hoc significandum fit iterum trina crucesignatio ad illa verba: « Per ipsum, et cum ipso, et in ipso. » Octavo autem repræsentatur separatio animæ a corpore per duas cruces subsequentes extra calicem factas. Nono autem repræsentatur resurrection tertia die facta per tres cruces, quæ fiunt ad illa verba: « Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. » Potest autem brevius dici quod consecratio hujus sacramenti, et acceptatio hujus sacrificii, et fructus ipsius procedit ex virtute crucis Christi, et ideo ubicumque fit mentio de aliquo horum, sacerdos crucesignatione utitur.

Article 6

[II-II.q.83.a.6.arg.1] It would seem that man ought not to ask God for temporal things when he prays. We seek what we ask for in prayer. But we should not seek for temporal things, for it is written (Matthew 6:33): "Seek ye . . . first the kingdom of God, and His justice: and all these things shall be added unto you," that is to say, temporal things, which, says He, we are not to seek, but they will be added to what we seek. Therefore temporal things are not to be asked of God in prayer.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.arg.1] Ad sextum sic proceditur. 4. Videtur quod non possit sufficienter occurri defectibus qui circa celebrationem hujus sacramenti occurrentibus, statuta Ecclesiæ observando. Contingit enim quandoque quod sacerdos ante consecrationem, vel post, moritur, vel alienatur, vel aliqua alia infirmitate impeditur, ne sacramentum sumere possit, et missam perficere. Ergo videtur quod non possit impleri statutum Ecclesiæ, quo præcipitur quod sacerdos consecrans suo sacrificio communicet.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.arg.2] Further, no one asks save for that which he is solicitous about. Now we ought not to have solicitude for temporal things, according to the saying of Matthew 6:25, "Be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat." Therefore we ought not to ask for temporal things when we pray.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.arg.2] 2. Præterea, contingit quandoque quod sacerdos ante consecrationem vel post recolit se aliquid comedisse vel bibisse, vel etiam alicui peccato mortali subjacere vel etiam excommunicationi, cujus prius memoriam non habebat. Necesse est ergo quod ille qui est in tali articulo constitutus, peccet mortaliter contra statutum Ecclesiæ faciens, sive sumat, sive non sumat.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.arg.3] Further, by prayer our mind should be raised up to God. But by asking for temporal things, it descends to things beneath it, against the saying of the Apostle (2 Corinthians 4:18), "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." Therefore man ought not to ask God for temporal things when he prays.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.arg.3] 3. Præterea, contingit quandoque quod in calicem musca vel aranea, vel aliquod animal venenosum cadit post consecrationem, vel etiam cognoscit sacerdos calici venenum esse immisum ab aliquo malevolo causa occidendi ipsum, in quo casu si sumat, videtur mortaliter peccare se occidendo, vel Deum tentando: similiter si non sumat, peccat contra statutum Ecclesiæ faciens. Ergo videtur esse perplexus et subjectus necessitati peccandi, quod est inconveniens.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.arg.4] Further, man ought not to ask of God other than good and useful things. But sometimes temporal things, when we have them, are harmful, not only in a spiritual sense, but also in a material sense. Therefore we should not ask God for them in our prayers.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.arg.4] 4. Præterea, contingit quandoque quod per negligentiam ministri aut aqua non ponitur in calice aut etiam nec vinum, et hoc sacerdos advertit. Ergo in hoc etiam casu videtur esse perplexus, sive sumat corpus sine sanguine, quasi imperfectum faciens sacrificium, sive non sumat nec corpus nec sanguinem.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.sc] It is written (Proverbs 30:8): "Give me only the necessaries of life."

[II-II.q.83.a.6.sc] Sed contra est quod sicut Deus, ita Ecclesia non præcipit aliquid impossibile.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.co] As Augustine says (ad Probam, de orando Deum, Ep. cxxx, 12): "It is lawful to pray for what it is lawful to desire." Now it is lawful to desire temporal things, not indeed principally, by placing our end therein, but as helps whereby we are assisted in tending towards beatitude, in so far, to wit, as they are the means of supporting the life of the body, and are of service to us as instruments in performing acts of virtue, as also the Philosopher states (Ethic. i, 8). Augustine too says the same to Proba (ad Probam, de orando Deum, Ep. cxxx, 6,7) when he states that "it is not unbecoming for anyone to desire enough for a livelihood, and no more; for this sufficiency is desired, not for its own sake, but for the welfare of the body, or that we should desire to be clothed in a way befitting one's station, so as not to be out of keeping with those among whom we have to live. Accordingly we ought to pray that we may keep these things if we have them, and if we have them not, that we may gain possession of them."

[II-II.q.83.a.6.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod periculis seu defectibus circa hoc sacramentum contingentibus dupliciter potest occurri: uno modo præveniendo, ne scilicet perculum accidat; alio modo subsequendo, ut scilicet id quod accidit emendetur vel adhibendo remedium, vel saltem per pœ-nitentiam ejus qui negligenter egit circa hoc sacramentum.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.ad.1] We should seek temporal things not in the first but in the second place. Hence Augustine says (De Serm. Dom. in Monte ii, 16): "When He says that this" (i.e. the kingdom of God) "is to be sought first, He implies that the other" (i.e. temporal goods) "is to be sought afterwards, not in time but in importance, this as being our good, the other as our need."

[II-II.q.83.a.6.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod si sacerdos morte aut infirmitate gravi occupetur ante consecrationem corporis et sanguinis Domini, non oportet ut per alium suppleatur. Si vero, incæpta consecratione, hoc acciderit, puta consecrato corpore ante consecrationem sanguinis, vel etiam consecrato utroque, debet missæ celebritas per alium expleri. Unde, ut habetur in Decret., VII, quæst. 1, cap. « Nihil, » col. 752, in Toletano concilio VII, can. 2, legitur: « Censuimus convenire ut cum a sacerdotibus missarum tempore sancta mysteria consecrantur, si ægritudinis acciderit quilibet eventus, quo cæp-tum nequeat expleri mysterium, sit liberum episcopo vel presbytero alteri consecrationem exequi officii cæpti. Non enim aliud ad supplementum initiatis mysteriis competit, quam aut incipientis aut subsequentis completa benedictio sacerdotis: quia nec perfecta videri possunt, nisi perfectionis ordine compleantur. Cum enim simus omnes unum in Christo, nihil contrarium personarum diversitas format, ubi efficaciam prosperitatis uni-tas fidei repræsentat. Ne tamen quod naturæ languoris causa consulitur, in præsumptionis perniciem convertatur, nullus absque proventu patentis molestiæ minister vel sacerdos, cum cæperit, imperfecta officia præsumat omnino relinquere. Si quis hæc temerare præsumpserit, excommunicationis sententiam sustinebit. »

[II-II.q.83.a.6.ad.2] Not all solicitude about temporal things is forbidden, but that which is superfluous and inordinate, as stated above (Question 55, Article 6).

[II-II.q.83.a.6.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod ubi difficultas occurrit, semper est accipiendum illud quod habet minus de periculo. Maxime autem periculosum circa hoc sacramentum est, quod est contra perfectionem hujus sacramenti, quia hoc est immane sacrilegium; minus autem est illud quod pertinet ad qualitatem sumentis. Et ideo si sacerdos post consecrationem incæptam recordetur se aliquid comedisse vel bibisse, nihilominus debet perficere sacrificium, et sumere sacramentum; similiter si recordetur se peccatum aliquod commisisse debet pœnitere cum proposito confitendi et satisfaciendi; et sic non indigne sed fructuose sumet sacramentum; et eadem ratio est si meminerit se excommunicationi cuicunque subjacere, debet enim assumere propositum humiliter absolutionem petendi; et sic per invisibilem Pontificem Jesum Christum absolutionem consequetur quantum ad hunc actum, quod peragat divina mysteria. Si vero ante consecrationem alicujus prædictorum sit memor, tutius reputarem, maxime in casu manducationis et excommunicationis, quod missam incæptam desereret nisi grave scandalum timeretur.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.ad.3] When our mind is intent on temporal things in order that it may rest in them, it remains immersed therein; but when it is intent on them in relation to the acquisition of beatitude, it is not lowered by them, but raises them to a higher level.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod si musca vel aranea in calicem ante consecrationem ceciderit, aut etiam venenum deprehenderit esse immissum, debet effundi, et abluto calice, denuo aliud vinum poni consecrandum. Si vero aliquid horum post consecrationem acciderit, debet animal caute capi et diligenter lavari, et comburi, et ablutio cum cineribus in sacrarium mitti. Si vero venenum ibi esse deprehenderit immissum, nullo modo debet sumere, nec alii dare, ne calix vitæ vertatur in mortem, sed debet diligenter in aliquo vasculo ad hoc apto cum reliquiis conservari; et ne sacramentum remaneat imperfectum, debet aliud vinum apponere in calicem, et denuo resumere e consecratione sanguinis, et sacrificium perficere.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.ad.4] From the very fact that we ask for temporal things not as the principal object of our petition, but as subordinate to something else, we ask God for them in the sense that they may be granted to us in so far as they are expedient for salvation.

[II-II.q.83.a.6.ad.4] Ad quartum dicendum, quod si sacerdos ante consecrationem sanguinis, et post consecrationem corporis percipiat aut vinum aut aquam non esse in calice, debet statim apponere et consecrare. Si vero post consecrationis verba percepit quod aqua desit, debet nihilominus procedere, quia impositio aquæ, ut supra dictum est, non est de necessitate sacramenti: debet tamen puniri ille ex cujus negligentia hoc contingit. Nullo autem modo debet aqua vino jam consecrato misceri, quia sequeretur corruptio sacramenti pro aliqua parte, ut supra dictum est. Si vero percipiat post verba consecrationis quod vinum non fuerit positum in calice, si quidem hoc percipiat ante sumptionem corporis, debet, deposita aqua si ibi fuerit, imponere vinum cum aqua, et resumere a verbis consecrationis sanguinis. Si vero hoc percepit post sumptionem corporis, aliam hostiam apponere debet iterum consecrandam simul cum sanguine; quod ideo dico quia si diceret sola verba consecrationis sanguinis, non servaretur debitus ordo consecrandi; et, sicut dicitur in prædicto cap. Toletani concilii, « perfecta videri non possunt sacrificia, nisi perfectionis ordine compleantur. » Si vero inciperet a consecratione sanguinis, et repeteret omnia verba consequentia, non competetet, nisi adesset hostia consecrata, cum in verbis illis occurrant quædam dicenda, et fienda non solum circa sanguinem, sed etiam circa corpus; et debet in fine iterum sumere hostiam consecratam et sanguinem, non obstante etiam si prius sumpserit aquam quæ erat in calice, quia præceptum de perfectione4 sacramenti majoris est ponderis quam præceptum quod hoc sacramentum a jejunis sumatur, ut supra dictum est.

Article 7

[II-II.q.83.a.7.arg.1] It would seem that we ought not to pray for others. On praying we ought to conform to the pattern given by our Lord. Now in the Lord's Prayer we make petitions for ourselves, not for others; thus we say: "Give us this day our daily bread," etc. Therefore we should not pray for others.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.arg.1] Ad septimum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod non debeamus pro aliis orare. In orando enim sequi debeamus formam quam Dominus tradidit. Sed in oratione dominica petitiones pro nobis facimus, non pro aliis, dicentes: Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et cætera hujusmodi. Ergo non debeamus pro aliis orare.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.arg.2] Further, prayer is offered that it may be heard. Now one of the conditions required for prayer that it may be heard is that one pray for oneself, wherefore Augustine in commenting on John 16:23, "If you ask the Father anything in My name He will give it you," says (Tract. cii): "Everyone is heard when he prays for himself, not when he prays for all; wherefore He does not say simply 'He will give it,' but 'He will give it you. '" Therefore it would seem that we ought not to pray for others, but only for ourselves.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.arg.2] 2. Præterea, ad hoc oratio fit ut exaudiatur. Sed una de conditionibus quæ requiruntur ad hoc quod oratio sit audibilis, est ut aliquis oret pro seipso; unde super illud Joan., xvI: Si quid petieritis; non, ut in Parm.: « Sed magis elevatur sursum. Contra Joannem Wicleff dicentem non esse orandum pro aliqua particulari persona. Item Patrem in nomine meo, dabit vobis, Augustinus dicit, tract. cii, § 1, col. 1896, t. 3: « Exaudiuntur omnes pro seipsis, non autem pro omnibus; quia non utcumque dictum est, dabit, sed dabit vobis. » Ergo videtur quod non debeamus pro aliis orare, sed solum pro nobis.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.arg.3] Further, we are forbidden to pray for others, if they are wicked, according to Jeremiah 7:16, "Therefore do not then pray for this people . . . and do not withstand Me, for I will not hear thee." On the other hand we are not bound to pray for the good, since they are heard when they pray for themselves. Therefore it would seem that we ought not to pray for others.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.arg.3] 3. Præterea, pro aliis, si sint mali, prohibemur orare, secundum illud Jerem., vii, 16: Tu ergo noli orare pro populo hoc... et non obsistas mihi quia non exaudiam te. Pro bonis autem non oportet orare, quia ipsi pro seipsis orantes exaudiuntur. Ergo videtur quod non debeamus pro aliis orare.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.sc] It is written (James 5:16): "Pray one for another, that you may be saved."

[II-II.q.83.a.7.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur Jacobi, v, 16: Orate pro invicem ut salvemini.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.co] As stated above (Article 6), when we pray we ought to ask for what we ought to desire. Now we ought to desire good things not only for ourselves, but also for others: for this is essential to the love which we owe to our neighbor, as stated above (25, 1 and 2; 27, 2; 31, 1). Therefore charity requires us to pray for others. Hence Chrysostom says (Hom. xiv in Matth.) [Opus Imperfectum, falsely ascribed to St. John Chrysostom]: "Necessity binds us to pray for ourselves, fraternal charity urges us to pray for others: and the prayer that fraternal charity proffers is sweeter to God than that which is the outcome of necessity."

[II-II.q.83.a.7.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut dictum est, illud debemus orando petere quod debemus desiderare. Desiderare autem debemus bona non solum nobis, sed etiam aliis; hoc enim pertinet ad rationem dilectionis quam proximis debemus impendere, ut ex supra dictis patet. Et ideo charitas hoc requirit ut pro aliis oremus. Unde Chrysostomus dicit super Matth., hom. xiv Op. imperf., parum a princ.: « Pro se orare necessitas cogit: pro altero autem charitas fraternitatis hortatur. Dulcior autem ante Deum est oratio, non quam necessitas transmittit, sed quam charitas fraternitatis commendat.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.ad.1] As Cyprian says (De orat. Dom.), "We say 'Our Father' and not 'My Father,' 'Give us' and not 'Give me,' because the Master of unity did not wish us to pray privately, that is for ourselves alone, for He wished each one to pray for all, even as He Himself bore all in one."

[II-II.q.83.a.7.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod, sicut Cyprianus dicit in lib. de Oratione dominica, § 8, col. 523, « ideo non dicimus, pater meus, sed noter, nec, Da mihi, sed, Da nobis, quia unitatis magister noluit privatim precem fieri, ut scilicet quis pro se tantum precetur; unum enim orare pro omnibus voluit, quoniam in uno omnes ipse portavit.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.ad.2] It is a condition of prayer that one pray for oneself: not as though it were necessary in order that prayer be meritorious, but as being necessary in order that prayer may not fail in its effect of impetration. For it sometimes happens that we pray for another with piety and perseverance, and ask for things relating to his salvation, and yet it is not granted on account of some obstacle on the part of the person we are praying for, according to Jeremiah 15:1, "If Moses and Samuel shall stand before Me, My soul is not towards this people." And yet the prayer will be meritorious for the person who prays thus out of charity, according to Psalm 34:13, "My prayer shall be turned into my bosom, i.e. though it profit them not, I am not deprived of my reward," as the gloss expounds it.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod pro se orare ponitur conditio orationis, non quidem necessaria ad effectum merendi; sed sicut necessaria ad indeficientiam impetrandi. Contingit enim quandoque quod oratio pro alio facta non impetrat, etiamsi fiat pie et perseveranter, et de pertinen-tibus ad salutem, propter impedimentum quod est ex parte ejus pro quo oratur, secundum illud Jerem., xv, 1: Si steterit Moyses et Samuel coram me, non est anima contra Pelagium dicentem orationes quas facit Ecclesia pro infidelibus et peccatoribus, ut convertantur, et pro fidelibus, ut perseverent, frustra fieri. mea ad populum istum. Nihilominus tamen oratio meritoria erit oranti, qui ex charitate orat, secundum illud psal. xxxiv, 43: Oratio mea in sinu meo convertetur; Glossa interl., « idest, etsi non eis prosit, ego tamen non sum frustratus mea mercede. »

[II-II.q.83.a.7.ad.3] We ought to pray even for sinners, that they may be converted, and for the just that they may persevere and advance in holiness. Yet those who pray are heard not for all sinners but for some: since they are heard for the predestined, but not for those who are foreknown to death; even as the correction whereby we correct the brethren, has an effect in the predestined but not in the reprobate, according to Ecclesiastes 7:14, "No man can correct whom God hath despised." Hence it is written (1 John 5:16): "He that knoweth his brother to sin a sin which is not to death, let him ask, and life shall be given to him, who sinneth not to death." Now just as the benefit of correction must not be refused to any man so long as he lives here below, because we cannot distinguish the predestined from the reprobate, as Augustine says (De Correp. et Grat. xv), so too no man should be denied the help of prayer.

We ought also to pray for the just for three reasons: First, because the prayers of a multitude are more easily heard, wherefore a gloss on Romans 15:30, "Help me in your prayers," says: "The Apostle rightly tells the lesser brethren to pray for him, for many lesser ones, if they be united together in one mind, become great, and it is impossible for the prayers of a multitude not to obtain" that which is possible to be obtained by prayer. Secondly, that many may thank God for the graces conferred on the just, which graces conduce to the profit of many, according to the Apostle (2 Corinthians 1:11). Thirdly, that the more perfect may not wax proud, seeing that they find that they need the prayers of the less perfect.

[II-II.q.83.a.7.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod etiam pro peccatoribus orandum est, ut convertantur, et pro justis ut perseverent et proficiant. Orantes tamen non pro omnibus peccatoribus exaudiuntur, sed pro qui busdam. Exaudiuntur enim pro prædestinatis, non autem pro præscitis ad mortem; sicut etiam correctio, qua fratres corrigimus, effectum habet in prædestinatis, non in reprobatis, secundum illud Eccle., VII, 14: Nemo potest corrigere quem Deus despexerit. Et ideo dicitur I Joan., v, 16: Qui scit fratrem suum pecare care* peccato non ad mortem, petat, et da peccatum. Sed sicut nulli, quamdiu vivit hic, subtrahen-dum est correctionis beneficium, quia non possumus prædestinatos distinguere a reprobatis, ut Augustinus dicit in lib. de Corrept. et Gratia, cap. xv, col. 944, t. 10, ita etiam nulli est negandum orationis suffragium. Pro justis etiam est orandum triplici ratione: primo quidem quia multorum preces facilius exaudiuntur; unde super illud Rom., xv, 30: Adjuvetis me in orationibus vestris, dicit Glossa ord., col. 517, t. 2: « Bene rogat Apostolus minores pro se orare; multi enim minimi, dum congregantur unanimes fiunt magni: et multorum preces impossibile est ut non impetrent, » illud scilicet quod est impetrabile. Secundo ut ex multis gratiae agan-tur Deo de beneficiis, quæ confert justis; quæ etiam in utilitatem multorum vergunt, ut patet per Apostolum II ad Corinth., i. Tertio ut majores non super-biant, dum considerant se minorum suffragiis indigere.

Article 8

[II-II.q.83.a.8.arg.1] It would seem that we ought not to pray for our enemies. According to Romans 15:4, "what things soever were written, were written for our learning." Now Holy Writ contains many imprecations against enemies; thus it is written (Psalm 6:11): "Let all my enemies be ashamed and be . . . troubled, let them be ashamed and be troubled very speedily [Vulgate: 'Let them be turned back and be ashamed.']." Therefore we too should pray against rather than for our enemies.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.arg.1] Ad octavum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod non debeamus pro inimicis orare. Quia, ut dicitur Rom., xv, 4, quæcumque Contra Pharisæos dicentes licitum esse inimicis obesse. Item, contra Græcos dicentes scripta sunt, ad nostram doctrinam scripta sunt. Sed in sacra Scriptura inducuntur multæ imprecationes contra inimicos; dicitur enim in psal. vi, 41: Erubescant, et conturbentur omnes inimici mei; convertur, et erubescant valde velociter. Ergo et nos debemus orare contra inimicos nostros magis quam pro eis.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.arg.2] Further, to be revenged on one's enemies is harmful to them. But holy men seek vengeance of their enemies according to Apocalypse 6:10, "How long . . . dost Thou not . . . revenge our blood on them that dwell on earth?" Wherefore they rejoice in being revenged on their enemies, according to Psalm 57:11, "The just shall rejoice when he shall see the revenge." Therefore we should not pray for our enemies, but against them.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.arg.2] 2. Præterea, vindicare de inimicis, in malum inimicorum cedit. Sed sancti vindictam de inimicis petunt, secundum illud Apoc., vi, 10: Usquequo non vindicas sanguinem nostrum de iis qui habitant in terra? unde et de vindicta impiorum laetantur, secundum illud psal. lvii, 41: Lætabitur justus, cum viderit vindictam. Ergo non est orandum pro inimicis, sed magis contra eos.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.arg.3] Further, man's deed should not be contrary to his prayer. Now sometimes men lawfully attack their enemies, else all wars would be unlawful, which is opposed to what we have said above (Question 40, Article 1). Therefore we should not pray for our enemies.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.arg.3] 3. Præterea, operatio hominis, et ejus oratio non debent esse contraria. Sed homines quandoque licite impugnant inimicos; alioquin omnia bella essent illicita; quod est contra supra dicta. Ergo nos non debemus orare pro inimicis.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.sc] It is written (Matthew 5:44): "Pray for them that persecute and calumniate you."

[II-II.q.83.a.8.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur Matth., v, 44: Orate pro persequentibus et calumniantibus vos.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.co] To pray for another is an act of charity, as stated above (Article 7). Wherefore we are bound to pray for our enemies in the same manner as we are bound to love them. Now it was explained above in the treatise on charity (25, 8,9), how we are bound to love our enemies, namely, that we must love in them their nature, not their sin. and that to love our enemies in general is a matter of precept, while to love them in the individual is not a matter of precept, except in the preparedness of the mind, so that a man must be prepared to love his enemy even in the individual and to help him in a case of necessity, or if his enemy should beg his forgiveness. But to love one's enemies absolutely in the individual, and to assist them, is an act of perfection.

In like manner it is a matter of obligation that we should not exclude our enemies from the general prayers which we offer up for others: but it is a matter of perfection, and not of obligation, to pray for them individually, except in certain special cases.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod orare pro alio charitatis est, sicut dictum est. Unde eodem modo quo tenemur diligere inimicos, tenemur pro inimicis orare. Qualiter autem teneamur inimicos diligere, supra habitum est in tractatu de Charitate, ut scilicet in eis diligamus naturam, non culpam; et quod diligere inimicos in generali est in præcepto, in speciali autem non est in præcepto, nisi secundum præparationem animi, ut scilicet homo esset paratus etiam specialiter inimicum diligere et eum juvare in necessitatis articulo, vel si veniam peteret. Sed in speciali absolute inimicos diligere, et eos juvare, perfectionis est. Et similiter necessitatis est ut in communibus nostris orationibus, quas pro aliis facimus, inimicos non excludamus. Quod autem pro eis specialiter oremus, perfectionis est, non necessitatis, nisi in aliquo casu speciali.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.ad.1] The imprecations contained in Holy Writ may be understood in four ways. First, according to the custom of the prophets "to foretell the future under the veil of an imprecation," as Augustine states [De Serm. Dom. in Monte i, 21. Secondly, in the sense that certain temporal evils are sometimes inflicted by God on the wicked for their correction. Thirdly, because they are understood to be pronounced, not against the men themselves, but against the kingdom of sin, with the purpose, to wit, of destroying sin by the correction of men. Fourthly, by way of conformity of our will to the Divine justice with regard to the damnation of those who are obstinate in sin.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod imprecationes quæ in sacra Scriptura ponuntur, quadrupliciter possunt intelligi: secundum quod uno modo « prophetæ solentfigura imprecantis futura prædicere, » ut Augustinus dicit in lib. I de Sermone quod decipere inimicum, eique damnum inferre, non est peccatum, etiam si ad id perjuriis, aut quovis mendacio quis juvetur. Domini in monte, cap. xxI, § 72, col. 1265, t. 3; secundo prout quædam temporalia mala peccatoribus quando a Deo ad correctionem immittuntur; tertio quia intelliguntur petere non contra ipsos homines, sed contra regnum peccati, ut scilicet correctione hominum peccata destruantur; quarto conformant voluntatem suam divinæ justitiæ circa damnationem perseverantium in peccato.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.ad.2] As Augustine states in the same book (De Serm. Dom. in Monte i, 22), "the martyrs' vengeance is the overthrow of the kingdom of sin, because they suffered so much while it reigned": or as he says again (QQ. Vet. et Nov. Test. lxviii), "their prayer for vengeance is expressed not in words but in their minds, even as the blood of Abel cried from the earth." They rejoice in vengeance not for its own sake, but for the sake of Divine justice.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod, sicut Augustinus dicit, ut supra, c. xxII, § 77, col. 1268, « vindicta martyrum est, ut evertatur regnum peccati, quo regnante tanta perpessi sunt; » vel, sicut dicitur in libro de QQ. veteris et novi Testamenti. quæst. LxvIII, col. 2262, t. 3 op. Aug., « postulant se vindicari, non voce, sed ratione; sicut sanguis Abel clamavit de terra. » Lætantur autem de vindicta non propter eam, sed propter divinam justi-tiam.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.ad.3] It is lawful to attack one's enemies, that they may be restrained from sin: and this is for their own good and for the good of others. Consequently it is even lawful in praying to ask that temporal evils be inflicted on our enemies in order that they may mend their ways. Thus prayer and deed will not be contrary to one another.

[II-II.q.83.a.8.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod licitum est impugnare inimicos, ut compescantur a peccatis; quod cedit in bonum eorum et aliorum; et sic etiam licet orando petere aliqua temporalia mala inimicorum, ut corrigantur. Et sic oratio et operatio non erunt contraria.

Article 9

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.1] It would seem that the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer are not fittingly assigned. It is useless to ask for that to be hallowed which is always holy. But the name of God is always holy, according to Luke 1:49, "Holy is His name." Again, His kingdom is everlasting, according to Psalm 144:13, "Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages." Again, God's will is always fulfilled, according to Isaiah 46:10, "All My will shall be done." Therefore it is useless to ask for "the name of God to be hallowed," for "His kingdom to come," and for "His will to be done."

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.1] Ad nonum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod inconvenienter septem petitiones orationis dominicæ assignentur. Vanum enim est petere sanctificari illud quod semper est sanctum. Sed nomen Dei semper est sanctum, secundum illud Luc., 1, 49: Sanctum nomen ejus; regnum etiam ejus est sempiternum, secundum illud psalmi cxliv, 13: Regnum tuum, Domine, regnum omnium sæculorum; voluntas etiam Dei semper impletur, secundum illud Isa., xlvi, 10: Omnis voluntas mea fiet. Vanum ergo est petere quod nomen Dei sanctificetur, quod regnum ejus adveniat, et quod voluntas ejus fiat.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.2] Further, one must withdraw from evil before attaining good. Therefore it seems unfitting for the petitions relating to the attainment of good to be set forth before those relating to the removal of evil.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.2] 2. Præterea, prius est recedere a malo, 1. Sic enim animæ occisorum clamant vindicari se postulantes, sicut sanguis Abel clamavit de terra. Et postea: « Sanguis enim effusus « quid aliud quam vindicari se postulat, clamans « non voce sed ratione? » Liber de quæst. Vet. Inconvenienter ergo videntur præordinari petitiones quæ pertinent ad consequendum bonum, petitionibus quæ pertinent ad amotionem mali.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.3] Further, one asks for a thing that it may be given to one. Now the chief gift of God is the Holy Ghost, and those gifts that we receive through Him. Therefore the petitions seem to be unfittingly assigned, since they do not correspond to the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.3] 3. Præterea, ad hoc aliquid petitur ut donetur. Sed præcipuum donum Dei est Spiritus sanctus et ea quæ nobis per ipsum dantur. Ergo videntur inconvenienter poni petitiones, cum non respondeant donis Spiritus sancti.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.4] Further, according to Luke, only five petitions are mentioned in the Lord's Prayer, as appears from the eleventh chapter. Therefore it was superfluous for Matthew to mention seven.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.4] 4. Præterea, secundum Lucam in oratione dominica ponuntur solum quinque petitiones, ut patet Luc., xi. Superfluum ergo fuit quod secundum Matthæum septem petitiones ponuntur.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.5] Further, it seems useless to seek to win the benevolence of one who forestalls us by his benevolence. Now God forestalls us by His benevolence, since "He first hath loved us" (1 John 4:19). Therefore it is useless to preface the petitions with the words our "Father Who art in heaven," which seem to indicate a desire to win God's benevolence.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.arg.5] 5. Præterea, vanum videtur captare benevolentiam ejus qui benevolentia sua nos prævenit. Sed Deus sua benevolentia nos prævenit quia ipse prior dilexit nos, ut dicitur I Joan., iv, 19. Superflue ergo præmittitur petitionibus: Pater noter qui es in cælis: quod videtur ad benevolentiam captandam pertinere. Sed in contrarium sufficit auctoritas Christi orationem instituentis.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.sc] The authority of Christ, who composed this prayer, suffices.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.co] The Lord's Prayer is most perfect, because, as Augustine says (ad Probam Ep. cxxx, 12), "if we pray rightly and fittingly, we can say nothing else but what is contained in this prayer of our Lord." For since prayer interprets our desires, as it were, before God, then alone is it right to ask for something in our prayers when it is right that we should desire it. Now in the Lord's Prayer not only do we ask for all that we may rightly desire, but also in the order wherein we ought to desire them, so that this prayer not only teaches us to ask, but also directs all our affections. Thus it is evident that the first thing to be the object of our desire is the end, and afterwards whatever is directed to the end. Now our end is God towards Whom our affections tend in two ways: first, by our willing the glory of God, secondly, by willing to enjoy His glory. The first belongs to the love whereby we love God in Himself, while the second belongs to the love whereby we love ourselves in God. Wherefore the first petition is expressed thus: "Hallowed be Thy name," and the second thus: "Thy kingdom come," by which we ask to come to the glory of His kingdom.

To this same end a thing directs us in two ways: in one way, by its very nature, in another way, accidentally. Of its very nature the good which is useful for an end directs us to that end. Now a thing is useful in two ways to that end which is beatitude: in one way, directly and principally, according to the merit whereby we merit beatitude by obeying God, and in this respect we ask: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"; in another way instrumentally, and as it were helping us to merit, and in this respect we say: "Give us this day our daily bread," whether we understand this of the sacramental Bread, the daily use of which is profitable to man, and in which all the other sacraments are contained, or of the bread of the body, so that it denotes all sufficiency of food, as Augustine says (ad Probam, Ep. cxxx, 11), since the Eucharist is the chief sacrament, and bread is the chief food: thus in the Gospel of Matthew we read, "supersubstantial," i.e. "principal," as Jerome expounds it.

We are directed to beatitude accidentally by the removal of obstacles. Now there are three obstacles to our attainment of beatitude. First, there is sin, which directly excludes a man from the kingdom, according to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, etc., shall possess the kingdom of God"; and to this refer the words, "Forgive us our trespasses." Secondly, there is temptation which hinders us from keeping God's will, and to this we refer when we say: "And lead us not into temptation," whereby we do not ask not to be tempted, but not to be conquered by temptation, which is to be led into temptation. Thirdly, there is the present penal state which is a kind of obstacle to a sufficiency of life, and to this we refer in the words, "Deliver us from evil."

[II-II.q.83.a.9.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod oratio dominica perfectissima est, quia, sicut Augustinus dicit ad Probam, epist. cxxx, cap. xxII, col. 502, t. 2, « si recte et congruenter oramus, nihil aliud dicere possumus, quam quod in ista oratione dominica positum est. » Quia enim oratio est quodammodo desiderii nostri interpres apud Deum, illa recte solum orando petius quæ recte desiderare valemus. In oratione autem dominica non solum petuntur omnia quæ recte desiderare possumus, sed etiam ordine quo desideranda sunt; ut sic hæc oratio non solum instruat postulare, sed etiam sit informativa totius nostri affectus. Manifestum est autem quod primo cadit in desiderio finis, deinde ea quæ sunt ad finem. Finis autem noster Deus est, in quem noster affectus tendit dupliciter: uno quidem modo, prout volumus gloriam Dei; alio modo, secundum quod volumus frui gloria ejus; quorum primum pertinet ad dilectionem qua Deum in seipso diligimus; secundum vero pertinet ad dilectionem qua diligimus nos in Deo. Et ideo prima petitio ponitur: Sanctificetur nomen tuum, per quam petimus gloriam Dei; secunda vero et Nov. Testamenti non est Augustini, et merito inter spuria in ejus operibus numeratur, ut sape dictum est. 2. ponitur: Adveniat regnum tuum, per quam petimus ad gloriam regni ejus pervenire. Ad finem autem prædictum nos ordinat aliquid dupliciter: uno modo per se, alio modo per accidens; per se quidem bonum quod est utile in finem. Est autem aliquid utile in finem beatitudinis dupliciter: uno modo directe et principaliter, secundum meritum quo beatitudinem meremur Deo obediendo; et quantum ad hoc ponitur: Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Alio modo instrumentaliter, et quasi coadjuvans nos ad merendum; et ad hoc pertinet quod dicitur: Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: sive hoc intelligatur de pane sacramentali, cujus quotidianus usus proficit homini, in quo etiam intelliguntur omnia alia sacramenta; sive etiam intelligatur de pane corporali, ut per panem intelligatur omnis sufficientia victus, sicut dicit Augustinus ad Probam, ut sup., cap. xi, quia et Eucharistia est præcipuum sacramentum, et panis est præcipuus cibus; unde et in Evangelio Matthæi scriptum est: Super-substantialem, idest, « præcipuum » ut Hieronymus exponit, super Matth., cap. vi, col. 43, t. 7. Per accidens autem ordinamur in beatitudinem per remotionem prohibentis. Tria autem sunt quæ nos a beatitudine prohibent; primo quidem peccatum, quod directe excludit a regno, secundum illud I ad Cor., vi, 9: Neque fornicarii, neque idolis servientes, etc., regnum Dei possidebunt; et ad hoc pertinet quod dicitur: Dimitte nobis debita nostra. Secundo tentatio, quæ nos impedit ab observantia divinæ voluntatis; et ad hoc pertinet quod dicitur: Et ne nos inducas in tentationem; per quod non petimus ut non tentemur, sed ut a tentatione non vincamur, quod est in tentationem induci. Tertio pœnalitas præsens, ut quæ impedit sufficientiam vitæ; et quantum ad hoc dicitur: Libera nos a malo.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.1] As Augustine says (De Serm. Dom. in Monte ii, 5), when we say, "Hallowed be Thy name, we do not mean that God's name is not holy, but we ask that men may treat it as a holy thing," and this pertains to the diffusion of God's glory among men. When we say, "Thy kingdom come, we do not imply that God is not reigning now," but "we excite in ourselves the desire for that kingdom, that it may come to us, and that we may reign therein," as Augustine says (ad Probam, Ep. cxxx, 11). The words, "Thy will be done rightly signify, 'May Thy commandments be obeyed' on earth as in heaven, i.e. by men as well as by angels" (De Serm. Dom. in Monte ii, 6). Hence these three petitions will be perfectly fulfilled in the life to come; while the other four, according to Augustine (Enchiridion cxv), belong to the needs of the present life.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod, sicut Augustinus dicit in lib. II de Serm. Dom. in monte, cap. v, § 19, col. 1277, t. 3, cum dicimus: Sanctificetur nomen tuum, « non hoc petitur, quasi non sit sanctum nomen Dei; sed ut sanctum ab hominibus habeatur; » quod pertinet ad Dei gloriam in hominibus propagandam. Quod autem dicitur: Adveniat regnum tuum, non ita dictum est quasi Deus nunc non regnet; sed, sicut Augustinus dicit ad Probam, ut sup., cap. xi, « desiderium nostrum ad illud regnum excitamus, ut nobis veniat, atque nos in eo regnare mereamur. » Quod autem dicitur: Fiat voluntas tua, recte intelligitur, ut obediatur præceptis tuis; sicut in cælo, et in terra, idest, sicut ab Angelis, ita ab hominibus. Unde hæ tres petitiones perfecte complebuntur in vita futura; aliæ vero quatuor pertinent ad necessitatem vitæ præsentis, sicut Augustinus dicit in Enchir., cap. cxv, col. 285, t. 6.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.2] Since prayer is the interpreter of desire, the order of the petitions corresponds with the order, not of execution, but of desire or intention, where the end precedes the things that are directed to the end, and attainment of good precedes removal of evil.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod cum oratio sit interpres desiderii, ordo petitionum non respondet ordini executionis, sed ordini desiderii, sive intentionis, in quo prius est finis quam ea quæ sunt ad finem, et consecutio boni quam remotio mali.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.3] Augustine (De Serm. Dom. in Monte ii, 11) adapts the seven petitions to the gifts and beatitudes. He says: "If it is fear God whereby blessed are the poor in spirit, let us ask that God's name be hallowed among men with a chaste fear. If it is piety whereby blessed are the meek, let us ask that His kingdom may come, so that we become meek and no longer resist Him. If it is knowledge whereby blessed are they that mourn, let us pray that His will be done, for thus we shall mourn no more. If it is fortitude whereby blessed ere they that hunger, let us pray that our daily bread be given to us. If it is counsel whereby blessed are the merciful, let us forgive the trespasses of others that our own may be forgiven. If it is understanding whereby blessed are the pure in heart, let us pray lest we have a double heart by seeking after worldly things which ere the occasion of our temptations. If it is wisdom whereby blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God, let us pray to be delivered from evil: for if we be delivered we shall by that very fact become the free children of God."

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod Augustinus in libro II de Sermone Domini in monte, cap. xi, col. 1286, t. 3, adaptat septem petitiones donis et beatitudinibus, dicens: « Si timor Dei est, quo beati sunt pauperes spiritu, petamus ut sanctificetur in hominibus nomen Dei timore casto. Si pietas est, qua beati sunt mites, petamus ut veniat regnum ejus, ut mitescamus, nec ei resistamus. Si scientia est, qua beati sunt qui lugent, oremus ut fiat voluntas ejus; et sic non lugebimus. Si fortitudo est, qua beati sunt qui esuriunt, oremus ut panis noster quotidianus detur nobis. Si consilium est, quo beati sunt misericordes, dimittamus debita, ut nobis nostra dimittantur. Si intellectus est, quo beati sunt mundo corde, oremus ne habeamus duplex cor temporalia sectando, de quibus tentationes fiunt in nobis. Si sapientia est, qua beati sunt pacifici, quoniam filii Dei vocabuntur, oremus ut liberemur a malo: ipsa enim liberatio liberos faciet filios Dei.»

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.4] According to Augustine (Enchiridion cxvi), "Luke included not seven but five petitions in the Lord's Prayer, for by omitting it, he shows that the third petition is a kind of repetition of the two that precede, and thus helps us to understand it"; because, to wit, the will of God tends chiefly to this--that we come to the knowledge of His holiness and to reign together with Him. Again the last petition mentioned by Matthew, "Deliver us from evil," is omitted by Luke, so that each one may know himself to be delivered from evil if he be not led into temptation.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.4] Ad quartum dicendum, quod, sicut Augustinus dicit in Enchir., cap. cxvi, col. 286, t. 6, « Lucas in oratione dominica petitiones non septem sed quinque complexus est; ostendens enim tertiam petitionem duarum superiorum esse quodammodo repetitionem, magis eam prætermittendo facit intelligi; » quia scilicet ad hoc præcipue voluntas Dei tendit ut Plenius in textu D. Aug. Inzabatati dixerunt nullam orationem, nulejus sanctitatem cognoscamus, ut cum ipso regnemus. Quod etiam Matthæus in ultima posuit: Libera nos a malo, Lucas non posuit, ut sciat unusquisque in eo se liberari a malo quod non infertur in tentationem.

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.5] Prayer is offered up to God, not that we may bend Him, but that we may excite in ourselves the confidence to ask: which confidence is excited in us chiefly by the consideration of His charity in our regard, whereby he wills our good--wherefore we say: "Our Father"; and of His excellence, whereby He is able to fulfil it--wherefore we say: "Who art in heaven."

[II-II.q.83.a.9.ad.5] Ad quintum dicendum, quod oratio non porrigitur Deo, ut ipsum flectamus, sed ut in nobis ipsis fiduciam excitemus postulandi; quæ quidem præcipue excitatur in nobis considerando ejus charitatem ad nos, qua bonum nostrum vult; et ideo dicimus: Pater noter, et ejus excellen-tiam, qua potest; et ideo dicimus: Qui es in cælis.

Article 10

[II-II.q.83.a.10.arg.1] It would seem that prayer is not proper to the rational creature. Asking and receiving apparently belong to the same subject. But receiving is becoming also to uncreated Persons, viz. the Son and Holy Ghost. Therefore it is competent to them to pray: for the Son said (John 14:16): "I will ask My [Vulgate: 'the'] Father," and the Apostle says of the Holy Ghost (Romans 8:26): "The Spirit . . . asketh for us."

[II-II.q.83.a.10.arg.1] Ad decimum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod orare non sit proprium rationalis creaturæ. Ejusdem enim videtur esse petere et accipere. Sed accipere convenit etiam personis increatis, scilicet Filio et Spiritui sancto. Ergo etiam eis convenit orare; nam et Filius dicit Joan., xiv, 16: Ego rogabo Patrem meum; et de Spiritu sancto dicit Apostolus, Rom., viii, 26: Spiritus postulat pro nobis.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.arg.2] Angels are above rational creatures, since they are intellectual substances. Now prayer is becoming to the angels, wherefore we read in the Psalm 96:7: "Adore Him, all you His angels." Therefore prayer is not proper to the rational creature.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.arg.2] 2. Præterea, angeli sunt supra rationales creaturas, cum sint intellectuales substantiæ. Sed ad angelos pertinet orare; unde in psal. xcvi, 8, dicitur: Adorate eum, omnes angeli ejus. Ergo orare non est proprium rationalis creaturæ.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.arg.3] Further, the same subject is fitted to pray as is fitted to call upon God, since this consists chiefly in prayer. But dumb animals are fitted to call upon God, according to Psalm 146:9, "Who giveth to beasts their food and to the young ravens that call upon Him." Therefore prayer is not proper to the rational creatures.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.arg.3] 3. Præterea, ejusdem est orare cujus est invocare Deum; quod præcipue fit orando. Sed brutis animalibus convenit invocare Deum, secundum illud psalmi cxlvi, 9: Qui dat jumentis escam ipsorum, et pullis corvorum invocantibus eum. Ergo orare non est proprium rationalis creaturæ.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.sc] Prayer is an act of reason, as stated above (Article 1). But the rational creature is so called from his reason. Therefore prayer is proper to the rational creature.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.sc] Sed contra, oratio est actus rationis, ut supra habitum est. Sed rationalis creatura a ratione dicitur. Ergo orare est proprium rationalis creaturæ.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.co] As stated above (Article 1) prayer is an act of reason, and consists in beseeching a superior; just as command is an act of reason, whereby an inferior is directed to something. Accordingly prayer is properly competent to one to whom it is competent to have reason, and a superior whom he may beseech. Now nothing is above the Divine Persons; and dumb animals are devoid of reason. Therefore prayer is unbecoming both the Divine Persons and dumb animals, and it is proper to the rational creature.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut ex supra dictis patet, oratio est actus rationis, per quem aliquis superiorem deprecatur; sicut imperium est actus rationis quo inferior ad aliquid ordinatur. Illi ergo proprie competit orare cui convenit rationem habere, et superiorem, quem deprecari possit. Divinis autem personis nihil est superius; bruta autem animalia non habent rationem. Unde neque divinis personis, neque brutis animalibus convenit orare; sed proprium est rationalis creaturæ.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.ad.1] Receiving belongs to the Divine Persons in respect of their nature, whereas prayer belongs to one who receives through grace. The Son is said to ask or pray in respect of His assumed, i.e. His human, nature and not in respect of His Godhead: and the Holy Ghost is said to ask, because He makes us ask.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod divinis personis convenit accipere per naturam; orare autem est accipientis per gratiam. Dicitur autem Filius rogare vel orare secundum naturam assumptam, scilicet humanam, non secundum divinam; Spiritus autem sanctus dicitur postulare quia postulantes nos facit.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.ad.2] As stated in I, 79, 8, intellect and reason are not distinct powers in us: but they differ as the perfect from the imperfect. Hence intellectual creatures which are the angels are distinct from rational creatures, and sometimes are included under them. On this sense prayer is said to be proper to the rational creature.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod intellectus et ratio non sunt in nobis diversæ potentiæ, ut in I habitum est; differunt autem secundum perfectum et imperfectum. Et ideo quandoque intellectuales creaturæ, quæ sunt angeli, distinguuntur a rationalibus, quandoque autem sub rationalibus comprehenduntur. Et hoc modo dicitur orare esse proprium rationalis creaturæ.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.ad.3] The young ravens are said to call upon God, on account of the natural desire whereby all things, each in its own way, desire to attain the Divine goodness. Thus too dumb animals are said to obey God, on account of the natural instinct whereby they are moved by God.

[II-II.q.83.a.10.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod pulli corvorum dicuntur invocare Deum, propter naturale desiderium, quo omnia suo modo desiderant consequi bonitatem divinam. Sicut etiam bruta animalia dicuntur Deo obedire, propter naturalem instinctum quo a Deo moventur.

Article 11

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.1] It would seem that the saints in heaven do not pray for us. A man's action is more meritorious for himself than for others. But the saints in heaven do not merit for themselves, neither do they pray for themselves, since they are already established in the term. Neither therefore do they pray for us.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.1] Ad undecimum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod sancti qui sunt in patria, non orent pro nobis. Actus enim alicujus magis est meritorius sibi quam aliis. Sed sancti qui sunt in patria non merentur sibi, nec pro se orant, quia jam sunt in termino constituti. Ergo etiam neque pro nobis orant.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.2] Further, the saints conform their will to God perfectly, so that they will only what God wills. Now what God wills is always fulfilled. Therefore it would be useless for the saints to pray for us.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.2] 2. Præterea, sancti perfecte suam voluntatem Deo conformant, ut non velint nisi quod Deus vult. Sed illud quod Deus vult, semper impletur. Ergo frustra sancti pro nobis orarent.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.3] Further, just as the saints in heaven are above, so are those in Purgatory, for they can no longer sin. Now those in Purgatory do not pray for us, on the contrary we pray for them. Therefore neither do the saints in heaven pray for us.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.3] 3. Præterea, sancti qui sunt in patria, sunt superiores nobis, ita et illi qui sunt in purgatorio, quia jam peccare non possunt. Sed illi qui sunt in purgatorio, non orant pro nobis, sed magis nos pro eis. Ergo nec sancti qui sunt in patria, pro nobis orant.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.4] Further, if the saints in heaven pray for us, the prayers of the higher saints would be more efficacious; and so we ought not to implore the help of the lower saints' prayers but only of those of the higher saints.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.4] 4. Præterea, si sancti qui sunt in patria, pro nobis orarent, superiorum sanctorum esset efficacior oratio. Non ergo deberet implorari suffragium orationum sanctorum inferiorum, sed solum superiorum.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.5] Further, the soul of Peter is not Peter. If therefore the souls of the saints pray for us, so long as they are separated from their bodies, we ought not to call upon Saint Peter, but on his soul, to pray for us: yet the Church does the contrary. The saints therefore do not pray for us, at least before the resurrection.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.arg.5] 5. Præterea, anima Petri non est Petrus. Si ergo animæ sanctorum pro nobis orarent, quamdiu sunt a corpore separatæ, non deberemus interpellare sanctum Petrum ad orandum pro nobis, sed animam ejus; cujus contrarium Ecclesia facit. Non ergo sancti, ad minus ante resurrectionem, orant pro nobis.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.sc] It is written (2 Maccabees 15:14): "This is . . . he that prayeth much for the people, and for all the holy city, Jeremias the prophet of God."

[II-II.q.83.a.11.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur II Machab., ult., 14: Hic est qui multum orat pro populo, et universa sancta civitate, Jeremias propheta Dei.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.co] As Jerome says (Cont. Vigilant. 6), the error of Vigilantius consisted in saying that "while we live, we can pray one for another; but that after we are dead, none of our prayers for others can be heard, seeing that not even the martyrs' prayers are granted when they pray for their blood to be avenged." But this is absolutely false, because, since prayers offered for others proceed from charity, as stated above (A7,8), the greater the charity of the saints in heaven, the more they pray for wayfarers, since the latter can be helped by prayers: and the more closely they are united to God, the more are their prayers efficacious: for the Divine order is such that lower beings receive an overflow of the excellence of the higher, even as the air receives the brightness of the sun. Wherefore it is said of Christ (Hebrews 7:25): "Going to God by His own power . . . to make intercession for us" [Vulgate: 'He is able to save for ever them that come to God by Him, always living to make intercession for us.']. Hence Jerome says (Cont. Vigilant. 6): "If the apostles and martyrs while yet in the body and having to be solicitous for themselves, can pray for others, how much more now that they have the crown of victory and triumph."

[II-II.q.83.a.11.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut Hieronymus dicit, lib. cont. Vigilant., § 6, col. 344, t. 2, Vigilantii error fuit, quod «dum vivimus, mutuo pro nobis orare possumus; postquam autem mortui fuerimus, nullius sit pro alio exaudienda oratio; præsertim cum martyres ultionem sui sanguinis obsecrantes impetrare nequieverint. » Sed hoc est omnino falsum: quia cum oratio pro aliis facta ex charitate proveniat, ut dictum est, quanto sancti qui sunt in patria, sunt perfectionis charitatis, tanto magis orant pro viatoribus, qui orationibus juvari possunt; et quanto sunt Deo conjunctiores, tanto eorum orationes sunt magis efficaces; habet enim hoc divinus ordo ut ex superiorum excellentia in inferiora refundatur, sicut ex claritate solis in aerem. Unde et de Christo dicitur Hebr., VII, 25: Accedens * per semetipsum ad Deum ad interpellandum pro nobis. Et propter hoc Hieronymus contra Vigilantium, loc. sup. cit., dicit: «Si Apostoli et martyres adhuc in corpore constituti, possunt orare pro cæteris, quando pro se adhuc debent esse solliciti, quanto magis post coronas, victorias et triumphos? »

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.1] The saints in heaven, since they are blessed, have no lack of bliss, save that of the body's glory, and for this they pray. But they pray for us who lack the ultimate perfection of bliss: and their prayers are efficacious in impetrating through their previous merits and through God's acceptance.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod sanctis qui sunt in patria, cum sint beati, nihil deest beatitudinis, nisi gloria corporis, pro qua orant. Orant autem pro nobis, quibus deest beatitudinis ultima perfectio; et eorum orationes habent efficaciam impetrandi ex præcedentibus eorum meritis, et ex divina acceptatione.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.2] The saints impetrate what ever God wishes to take place through their prayers: and they pray for that which they deem will be granted through their prayers according to God's will.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod sancti impetrant illud quod Deus vult fieri per orationes eorum; et hoc petunt quod aestimant eorum orationibus implendum secundum Dei voluntatem.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.3] Those who are in Purgatory though they are above us on account of their impeccability, yet they are below us as to the pains which they suffer: and in this respect they are not in a condition to pray, but rather in a condition that requires us to pray for them.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod illi qui sunt in purgatorio, etsi sint superiores nobis propter impeccabilitatem, sunt tamen inferiores quantum ad pœnas quas patiuntur, et secundum hoc non sunt in statu orandi, sed magis ut oretur pro eis.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.4] It is God's will that inferior beings should be helped by all those that are above them, wherefore we ought to pray not only to the higher but also to the lower saints; else we should have to implore the mercy of God alone. Nevertheless it happens sometime that prayers addressed to a saint of lower degree are more efficacious, either because he is implored with greater devotion, or because God wishes to make known his sanctity.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.4] Ad quartum dicendum quod Deus vult inferiora per omnia superiora juvari, et ideo oportet non solum superiores, sed etiam inferiores sanctos implorare; alioquin esset solius Dei misericordia imploranda. Contingit tamen quandoque quod imploratio inferioris sancti efficacior sit, vel quia devotius imploratur, vel quia Deus vult ejus sanctitatem declarare.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.5] It is because the saints while living merited to pray for us, that we invoke them under the names by which they were known in this life, and by which they are better known to us: and also in order to indicate our belief in the resurrection, according to the saying of Exodus 3:6, "I am the God of Abraham," etc.

[II-II.q.83.a.11.ad.5] Ad quintum dicendum, quod quia sancti viventes meruerunt ut pro nobis orarent, ideo invocamus eos nominibus quibus hic vocabantur, quibus etiam nobis magis innotescunt; et iterum propter fidem resurrectionis insinuandam, sicut legitur Exod., III, 6: Ego sum Deus Abraham, etc.

Article 12

[II-II.q.83.a.12.arg.1] It would seem that prayer ought not to be vocal. As stated above (Article 4), prayer is addressed chiefly to God. Now God knows the language of the heart. Therefore it is useless to employ vocal prayer.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.arg.2] Further, prayer should lift man's mind to God, as stated above (1, ad 2). But words, like other sensible objects, prevent man from ascending to God by contemplation. Therefore we should not use words in our prayers.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.arg.2] 2. Præterea, per orationem mens hominis debet in Deum ascendere, ut dictum est. Sed voces retrahunt homines ab ascensu contemplationis in Deum, sicut et alia sensibilia. Ergo in orationibus non est vocibus utendum.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.arg.3] Further, prayer should be offered to God in secret, according to Matthew 6:6, "But thou, when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret." But prayer loses its secrecy by being expressed vocally. Therefore prayer should not be vocal.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.arg.3] 3. Præterea, oratio debet offerri Deo in occulto, secundum illud Matth., VI, 6: Tu autem cum oraveris, intra in cubiculum tuum, et clauso ostio ora Patrem tuum in abscondito. Sed per vocem oratio publicatur. Ergo oratio non debet esse vocalis.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.sc] It is written (Psalm 141:2): "I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I made supplication to the Lord."

[II-II.q.83.a.12.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur in psalmo cxLI, 1: Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi, voce mea ad Dominum deprecatus sum. et pro se et pro aliis orant. Hanc Sententiam Biluart non judicat improbabilem.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.co] Prayer is twofold, common and individual. Common prayer is that which is offered to God by the ministers of the Church representing the body of the faithful: wherefore such like prayer should come to the knowledge of the whole people for whom it is offered: and this would not be possible unless it were vocal prayer. Therefore it is reasonably ordained that the ministers of the Church should say these prayers even in a loud voice, so that they may come to the knowledge of all.

On the other hand individual prayer is that which is offered by any single person, whether he pray for himself or for others; and it is not essential to such a prayer as this that it be vocal. And yet the voice is employed in such like prayers for three reasons. First, in order to excite interior devotion, whereby the mind of the person praying is raised to God, because by means of external signs, whether of words or of deeds, the human mind is moved as regards apprehension, and consequently also as regards the affections. Hence Augustine says (ad Probam. Ep. cxxx, 9) that "by means of words and other signs we arouse ourselves more effectively to an increase of holy desires." Hence then alone should we use words and such like signs when they help to excite the mind internally. But if they distract or in any way impede the mind we should abstain from them; and this happens chiefly to those whose mind is sufficiently prepared for devotion without having recourse to those signs. Wherefore the Psalmist (Psalm 26:8) said: "My heart hath said to Thee: 'My face hath sought Thee,'" and we read of Anna (1 Samuel 1:13) that "she spoke in her heart." Secondly, the voice is used in praying as though to pay a debt, so that man may serve God with all that he has from God, that is to say, not only with his mind, but also with his body: and this applies to prayer considered especially as satisfactory. Hence it is written (Hosea 14:3): "Take away all iniquity, and receive the good: and we will render the calves of our lips." Thirdly, we have recourse to vocal prayer, through a certain overflow from the soul into the body, through excess of feeling, according to Psalm 15:9, "My heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced."

[II-II.q.83.a.12.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod duplex est oratio: communis et singularis. Communis quidem oratio est quæ per ministros Ecclesiæ in persona totius fidelis populi Deo offertur; et ideo oportet quod talis oratio innotescat toti populo, pro quo profertur; quod non posset fieri, nisi esset vocalis; et ideo rationabiliter institutum est, ut ministri Ecclesiæ hujusmodi orationes etiam alta voce pronuntient, ut ad notitiam omnium possint pervenire. Oratio vero singularis est quæ offertur a singulari persona cujuscumque sive pro se, sive pro aliis orantis; et de hujusmodi orationis necessitate non est quod sit vocalis. Adjungitur tamen vox tali orationi, triplici ratione: primo quidem ad excitandam interiorem devotionem, qua mens orantis elevatur in Deum, quia per exteriora signa sive vocum, sive etiam aliquorum factorum movetur mens hominis et secundum apprehensionem, et per consequens secundum affectionem. Unde Augustinus dicit ad Probam, epist., cxxx. cap. 1x, col. 501, t. 2, quod « verbis et aliis signis ad augendum desiderium sanctum nos ipsos acrius excitamus. » Et ideo in singulari oratione tantum est vocibus et hujusmodi signis utendum, quantum proficit ad excitandum interius mentem. Si vero mens per hoc distrahatur, vel qualiter-cumque impediatur, est a talibus cessandum: quod præcipue contingit in his quorum mens sine hujusmodi signis est sufficienter ad devotionem parata. Unde Psalmista, psalmo xxv1, 8, dicebat: Tibi dixit cor meum: Exquisivit te facies mea; et de Anna legitur I Reg., 1, 43, quod loquebatur in corde suo. Secundo adjungitur vocalis oratio, quasi ad redditionem debiti, ut scilicet homo Deo serviat secundum illud totum quod ex Deo habet, idest, non solum mente, sed etiam corpore, quod præcipue competit orationi, secundum quod est satisfactoria. Unde dicitur Oseæultimo, 3: Omnem aufer iniquitatem, accipe bonum; et reddemus vitulos labiorum nostrorum. Tertio adjungitur vocalis oratio ex quadam redundantia ab anima in corpus, ex vehementi affectione, secundum illud psalmi xv, 9: Lætatum est cor meum, et exultavit lingua mea.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.ad.1] Vocal prayer is employed, not in order to tell God something He does not know, but in order to lift up the mind of the person praying or of other persons to God.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod vocalis oratio non profertur ad hoc quod aliquid ignotum Deo manifestetur; sed ad hoc quod mens orantis vel aliorum excitetur in Deum.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.ad.2] Words about other matters distract the mind and hinder the devotion of those who pray: but words signifying some object of devotion lift up the mind, especially one that is less devout.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod verba ad aliud pertinentia distrahunt mentem, et impediunt devotionem orantis; sed verba significantia aliquid ad devotionem pertinentia, excitant mentes præcipue minus devotas.

[II-II.q.83.a.12.ad.3] As Chrysostom says [Hom. xiii in the Opus Imperfectum falsely ascribed to St. John Chrysostom], "Our Lord forbids one to pray in presence of others in order that one may be seen by others. Hence when you pray, do nothing strange to draw men's attention, either by shouting so as to be heard by others, or by openly striking the heart, or extending the hands, so as to be seen by many. And yet, "according to Augustine (De Serm. Dom. in Monte ii, 3), "it is not wrong to be seen by men, but to do this or that in order to be seen by men."

[II-II.q.83.a.12.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod, sicut Chrysostomus dicit super Matth., hom. xiii Op. imperf., inter med. et fin., « eo proposito Dominus vetat in conventu orare, ut a conventu videatur. » Unde « orans nihil novum facere debet, quod aspiciant homines, vel clamando, ut audiiatur ab aliis, vel pectus aperte percutiendo, vel manus expandendo ut videatur a multis. » Nec tamen, ut Augustinus dicit in lib. II de Sermone Domini in monte, cap. 111, col. 1274, t. 3, « videri ab hominibus nefas est, sed ideo hoc agere, ut ab hominibus videaris. »

Article 13

[II-II.q.83.a.13.arg.1] It would seem that attention is a necessary condition of prayer. It is written (John 4:24): "God is a spirit, and they that adore Him must adore Him in spirit and in truth." But prayer is not in spirit unless it be attentive. Therefore attention is a necessary condition of prayer.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.arg.2] Further, prayer is "the ascent of the mind to God" [Damascene, De Fide Orth. iii, 24. But the mind does not ascend to God if the prayer is inattentive. Therefore attention is a necessary condition of prayer.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.arg.2] 2. Præterea, oratio est « ascensus intellectus in Deum. » Sed quando oratio non est attenta, intellectus non ascendit in Deum. Ergo de necessitate orationis est quod sit attenta.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.arg.3] Further, it is a necessary condition of prayer that it should be altogether sinless. Now if a man allows his mind to wander while praying he is not free of sin, for he seems to make light of God; even as if he were to speak to another man without attending to what he was saying. Hence Basil says [De Constit. Monach. i] that the "Divine assistance is to be implored, not lightly, nor with a mind wandering hither and thither: because he that prays thus not only will not obtain what he asks, nay rather will he provoke God to anger." Therefore it would seem a necessary condition of prayer that it should be attentive.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.arg.3] 3. Præterea, de necessitate orationis est quod careat omni peccato. Sed non est absque peccato quod aliquis orando evagationem mentis patiatur; videtur enim deridere Deum, sicut si alicui homini loqueretur, et non attenderet ad ea quæ ipse proferret; unde Basilius dicit in lib. de Constit. monast., cap. 1, circa med., quod « divinum auxilium est imploran- Contra Turelupinos dicentes non esse orandum vocaliter, sed mentaliter tantum. dum non remisse, nec mente huc vel illuc evagante; eo quod talis non solum non impetrabit quod petit, sed etiam magis Deum irritabit. » Ergo de necessitate orationis videtur esse quod sit attenta.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.sc] Even holy men sometimes suffer from a wandering of the mind when they pray, according to Psalm 39:13, "My heart hath forsaken me."

[II-II.q.83.a.13.sc] Sed contra est quod etiam sancti viri orando quando evagationem mentis patiuntur, secundum illud psal. xxxix, 13: Cor meum dereliquit me.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.co] This question applies chiefly to vocal prayer. Accordingly we must observe that a thing is necessary in two ways. First, a thing is necessary because thereby the end is better obtained: and thus attention is absolutely necessary for prayer. Secondly, a thing is said to be necessary when without it something cannot obtain its effect. Now the effect of prayer is threefold. The first is an effect which is common to all acts quickened by charity, and this is merit. On order to realize this effect, it is not necessary that prayer should be attentive throughout; because the force of the original intention with which one sets about praying renders the whole prayer meritorious, as is the case with other meritorious acts. The second effect of prayer is proper thereto, and consists in impetration: and again the original intention, to which God looks chiefly, suffices to obtain this effect. But if the original intention is lacking, prayer lacks both merit and impetration: because, as Gregory [Hugh St. Victor, Expos. in Reg. S. Aug. iii] says, "God hears not the prayer of those who pay no attention to their prayer." The third effect of prayer is that which it produces at once; this is the spiritual refreshment of the mind, and for this effect attention is a necessary condition: wherefore it is written (1 Corinthians 14:14): "If I pray in a tongue . . . my understanding is without fruit."

It must be observed, however, that there are three kinds of attention that can be brought to vocal prayer: one which attends to the words, lest we say them wrong, another which attends to the sense of the words, and a third, which attends to the end of prayer, namely, God, and to the thing we are praying for. That last kind of attention is most necessary, and even idiots are capable of it. Moreover this attention, whereby the mind is fixed on God, is sometimes so strong that the mind forgets all other things, as Hugh of St. Victor states [De Modo Orandi ii].

[II-II.q.83.a.13.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod quæstio hæc præcipue habet locum in oratione vocali. Circa quam sciendum est quod necessarium dicitur aliquid dupliciter: uno modo per quod melius pervenitur ad finem; et sic attentio absolute orationi necessaria est. Alio modo aliquid dicitur necessarium sine quo res non potest consequi suum effectum. Est autem triplex effectus orationis: primus quidem communis omnibus actibus charitate informatis, quod est mereri; et ad hunc effectum non ex necessitate requiritur quod attentio adsit orationi per totum, sed vis primæ intentionis, qua aliquis ad orandum accedit, reddit totam orationem meritoriam, sicut in aliis meritoriis actibus accidit. Secundus autem effectus orationis est ei proprius, quod est impetrare; et ad hunc etiam effectum sufficit prima intentio, quam Deus principaliter attendit. Si autem prima intentio desit, oratio nec meritoria est nec impetrativa; illam enim orationem Deus non audit cui ille qui orat, non intendit, ut Gregorius dicit, lib. XXII Moral., cap. xvii, § 43, col. 238, t. 2. Tertius autem effectus orationis est quem præsentialiter efficit, scilicet quædam spiritualis reflectio mentis; et ad hoc de necessitate requiritur in oratione attentio. Unde dicitur I Cor., xiv, 14: Si orem lingua, mens mea sine fructu est. Sciendum tamen quod triplex est attentio, quæ orationi vocali potest adhiberi: una quidem, qua attenditur ad verba ne aliquis in eis erret; secunda, qua attenditur ad sensum verborum; tertia, qua attenditur ad finem orationis, scilicet ad Deum, et ad rem pro qua oratur; quæ quidem est maxime necessaria et hanc etiam possunt habere idiotæ; et quando que in tantum abundat hæc attentio, qua mens fertur in Deum, ut etiam aliorum omnium mens obliviscatur, sicut dicit Hugo de Sancto Victore, in lib. de Modo orandi, cap. 11, col. 980, t. 2. 1 Sic cod.; Migne. Sed in exemplari Regulæ constitutionibus ordinis Fratrum Prædicatorum

[II-II.q.83.a.13.ad.1] To pray in spirit and in truth is to set about praying through the instigation of the Spirit, even though afterwards the mind wander through weakness.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod in spiritu et veritate orat qui ex instinctu Spiritus ad orandum accedit, etiam si ex aliqua infirmitate mens postmodum evagetur.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.ad.2] The human mind is unable to remain aloft for long on account of the weakness of nature, because human weakness weighs down the soul to the level of inferior things: and hence it is that when, while praying, the mind ascends to God by contemplation, of a sudden it wanders off through weakness.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod mens humana propter infirmitatem naturæ diu stare in alto non potest, pondere enim infirmitatis humanæ deprimitur anima ad inferiora; et ideo contingit quod quando mens orantis ascendit in Deum per contemplationem, subito evagatur ex quadam infirmitate.

[II-II.q.83.a.13.ad.3] Purposely to allow one's mind to wander in prayer is sinful and hinders the prayer from having fruit. It is against this that Augustine says in his Rule (Ep. ccxi): "When you pray God with psalms and hymns, let your mind attend to that which your lips pronounce." But to wander in mind unintentionally does not deprive prayer of its fruit. Hence Basil says (De Constit. Monach. i): "If you are so truly weakened by sin that you are unable to pray attentively, strive as much as you can to curb yourself, and God will pardon you, seeing that you are unable to stand in His presence in a becoming manner, not through negligence but through frailty."

[II-II.q.83.a.13.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod si quis ex proposito in oratione mente evagetur, hoc peccatum est, et impedit orationis fructum; et contra hoc Augustinus dicit in Regula, § 3, col. 1379, t. 4: « Psalmis et hymnis cum oratis Deum, hoc versetur in corde quod profertur in ore. » Evagatio vero mentis quæ fit præter propositum, orationis fructum non tollit. Unde Basilius dicit ibid.: « Si vero debilitatus a peccato fixe nequis orare, quantum-cumque potes, teipsum cohibeas et Deus ignoscit; eo quod non ex negligentia, sed ex fragilitate non potes, ut oportet, assistere coram eo. »

Article 15

[II-II.q.83.a.15.arg.1] It would seem that prayer is not meritorious. All merit proceeds from grace. But prayer precedes grace, since even grace is obtained by means of prayer according to Luke 11:13, "(How much more) will your Father from heaven give the good Spirit to them that ask Him!" Therefore prayer is not a meritorious act.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.arg.2] Further, if prayer merits anything, this would seem to be chiefly that which is besought in prayer. Yet it does not always merit this, because even the saints' prayers are frequently not heard; thus Paul was not heard when he besought the sting of the flesh to be removed from him. Therefore prayer is not a meritorious act.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.arg.2] 2. Præterea, si oratio aliquid meretur, maxime videtur mereri illud quod orando petitur. Sed hoc non semper meretur, quia multoties etiam sanctorum orationes non exaudiuntur, sicut Paulus non est exauditus petens a se removeri stimulus carnis. Ergo oratio non est actus meritorius.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.arg.3] Further, prayer is based chiefly on faith, according to James 1:6, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." Now faith is not sufficient for merit, as instanced in those who have lifeless faith. Therefore prayer is not a meritorious act.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.arg.3] 3. Præterea, oratio præcipue fidei innititur, secundum illud Jacobi, 1, 6: Postulet autem in fide nihil hæsitans. Fides autem non sufficit ad merendum, ut patet in his qui habent fidem informem. Ergo oratio non est actus meritorius.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.sc] A gloss on the words of Psalm 34:13, "My prayer shall be turned into my bosom," explains them as meaning, "if my prayer does not profit them, yet shall not I be deprived of my reward." Now reward is not due save to merit. Therefore prayer is meritorious.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.sc] Sed contra est quod super illud psalmi xxxiv: Oratio mea in sinu meo convertetur, dicit Glossa interl.: « Et si eis non profuit, ego tamen non sum mea mercede frustratus. » Merces autem non debetur nisi merito. Ergo oratio habet rationem meriti.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.co] As stated above (Article 13) prayer, besides causing spiritual consolation at the time of praying, has a twofold efficacy in respect of a future effect, namely, efficacy in meriting and efficacy in impetrating. Now prayer, like any other virtuous act, is efficacious in meriting, because it proceeds from charity as its root, the proper object of which is the eternal good that we merit to enjoy. Yet prayer proceeds from charity through the medium of religion, of which prayer is an act, as stated above (Article 3), and with the concurrence of other virtues requisite for the goodness of prayer, viz. humility and faith. For the offering of prayer itself to God belongs to religion, while the desire for the thing. that we pray to be accomplished belongs to charity. Faith is necessary in reference to God to Whom we pray; that is, we need to believe that we can obtain from Him what we seek. Humility is necessary on the part of the person praying, because he recognizes his neediness. Devotion too is necessary: but this belongs to religion, for it is its first act and a necessary condition of all its secondary acts, as stated above (82, 1 and 2).

As to its efficacy in impetrating, prayer derives this from the grace of God to Whom we pray, and Who instigates us to pray. Wherefore Augustine says (De Verb. Dom., Serm. cv, 1): "He would not urge us to ask, unless He were willing to give"; and Chrysostom Cf. Catena Aurea of St. Thomas on Luke 18. The words as quoted are not to be found in the words of Chrysostom says: "He never refuses to grant our prayers, since in His loving-kindness He urged us not to faint in praying."

[II-II.q.83.a.15.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut dictum est, oratio præter effectum spiritualis consolationis, quam præsentialiter affert, duplicem habet virtutem respectu futuri effectus: scilicet virtutem merendi, et virtutem impetrandi. Oratio autem, sicut et quilibet alius actus virtutis, habet efficaciam merendi, in quantum procedit ex radice charitatis, cujus proprium objectum est bonum æternum, cujus fruitionem meremur. Procedit tamen oratio a charitate, mediante religione, cujus est actus oratio, ut dictum est, concomitantibus etiam quibusdam aliis virtutibus quæ ad bonitatem orationis requiruntur, scilicet humilitate et fide. Ad religionem enim pertinet ipsam orationem Deo offerre; ad charitatem vero pertinet desiderium rei cujus complementum oratio petit. Fides autem est necessaria ex parte Dei, quem oramus; ut scilicet credamus, ab eo nos posse obtinere quod petimus. Humilitas autem est necessaria ex parte ipsius petentis, qui suam indigentiam recognoscit. Est etiam et devotio necessaria; sed hæc ad religionem pertinet, cujus est primus actus necessarius ad omnes consequentes, ut supra dictum est. Efficaciam autem impetrandi habet ex gratia Dei, quem oramus, qui etiam nos ad orandum inducit. Unde Augustinus dicit in libro de Verbis Domini, serm. cv, c. 1, col. 619, t. 5: « Non nos hortaretur ut peteremus, nisi dare vellet; » et Chrysostomus dicit sup. cap. xviii Luc., in princ: « Nunquam oranti beneficia denegat, qui ut orantes non deficiant, sua pietate instigat. »

[II-II.q.83.a.15.ad.1] Neither prayer nor any other virtuous act is meritorious without sanctifying grace. And yet even that prayer which impetrates sanctifying grace proceeds from some grace, as from a gratuitous gift, since the very act of praying is "a gift of God," as Augustine states (De Persever. xxiii).

[II-II.q.83.a.15.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod oratio sine gratia gratum faciente meritoria non est, sicut nec aliquis alius actus virtuosus. Et tamen etiam oratio quæ impetrat gratiam gratum facientem, procedit ex aliqua gratia, quasi ex gratuito dono: quia ipsum « orare » est quoddam donum Dei, ut Augustinus dicit in libro de Dono perseverantia, cap. xxiii, § 64, col. 1032, t. 10.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.ad.2] Sometimes the merit of prayer regards chiefly something distinct from the object of one's petition. For the chief object of merit is beatitude, whereas the direct object of the petition of prayer extends sometimes to certain other things, as stated above (A6,7). Accordingly if this other thing that we ask for ourselves be not useful for our beatitude, we do not merit it; and sometimes by asking for and desiring such things we lose merit for instance if we ask of God the accomplishment of some sin, which would be an impious prayer. And sometimes it is not necessary for salvation, nor yet manifestly contrary thereto; and then although he who prays may merit eternal life by praying, yet he does not merit to obtain what he asks for. Hence Augustine says (Liber. Sentent. Prosperi sent. ccxii): "He who faithfully prays God for the necessaries of this life, is both mercifully heard, and mercifully not heard. For the physician knows better than the sick man what is good for the disease." For this reason, too, Paul was not heard when he prayed for the removal of the sting in his flesh, because this was not expedient. If, however, we pray for something that is useful for our beatitude, through being conducive to salvation, we merit it not only by praying, but also by doing other good deeds: therefore without any doubt we receive what we ask for, yet when we ought to receive it: "since certain things are not denied us, but are deferred that they may be granted at a suitable time," according to Augustine (Tract. cii in Joan.): and again this may be hindered if we persevere not in asking for it. Wherefore Basil says (De Constit. Monast. i): "The reason why sometimes thou hast asked and not received, is because thou hast asked amiss, either inconsistently, or lightly, or because thou hast asked for what was not good for thee, or because thou hast ceased asking." Since, however, a man cannot condignly merit eternal life for another, as stated above (I-II, 114, 6), it follows that sometimes one cannot condignly merit for another things that pertain to eternal life. For this reason we are not always heard when we pray for others, as stated above (07, ad 2,3). Hence it is that four conditions are laid down; namely, to ask--"for ourselves--things necessary for salvation--piously--perseveringly"; when all these four concur, we always obtain what we ask for.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod ad aliud principaliter respicit meritum orationis quandoque quam ad id quod petitur. Meritum enim præcipue ordinatur ad beatitudinem, sed petitio orationis directe se extendit quandoque ad aliqua alia, ut ex dicis patet. Si ergo illud aliud quod petit aliquis pro seipso, non sit ei ad beatitudinem utile, non meretur illud; sed quandoque hoc petendo et desiderando, meritum amittit: puta si petat a Deo complementum alicujus peccati, quod est non pie orare. Quandoque vero non est necessarium ad salutem, nec manifeste saluti contrarium; et tunc licet orans possit orando mereri vitam æternam, non tamen meretur illud obtinere quot petit. Unde Augustinus dicit in lib. Sentent. Prosp., sent. ccxii, col. 1876, t. 10: « Fideliter supplicans Deo pro necessitatibus hujus vitæ, et misericorditer auditur, et misericorditer non auditur. Quid enim infirmo sit utile, magis novit medicus quam ægrotus. » Et propter hoc etiam Paulus non fuit exauditus petens amoveri stimulum carnis, quia non expediebat. Si vero id quod petitur, sit utile ad beatitudinem hominis quasi pertinens ad ejus salutem, meretur illud non solum orando, sed etiam alia bona opera faciendo; et ideo indubitanter accipit quod petit, sed quando debet accipere: « Quædam enim non negantur sed ut congruo dentur tempore, differuntur, » ut Augustinus dicit super Joan., tract. cii, § 1, col. 1896, t. 3. Quod priores triginta septem excipias quæ ex ipsius Prosperi commentariis in psalmos desumptæ sunt, ex operibus Augustini sunt collectæ. tamen potest impediri, si in petendo non perseverent. Et propter hoc dicit Basilius in lib. Constit. monast., cap. 1, vers fin.: « Ideo quando petis et non accipis, quia perperam postulasti, vel infideliter, vel leviter, vel non conferentia tibi, vel destitisti. » Quia vero homo non potest alii mereri vitam æternam ex condigno, ut supra dictum est, ideo per consequens nec ea quæ ad vitam æternam pertinent, potest aliquando aliquis ex condigno alteri mereri. Et propter hoc non semper ille auditur qui pro alio orat, ut supra habitum est. Et ideo ponuntur quatuor conditiones, quibus concurrentibus semper aliquis impetrat quod petit: ut scilicet pro se petat, necessaria ad salutem, pie, et perseveranter.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.ad.3] Prayer depends chiefly on faith, not for its efficacy in meriting, because thus it depends chiefly on charity, but for its efficacy in impetrating, because it is through faith that man comes to know of God's omnipotence and mercy, which are the source whence prayer impetrates what it asks for.

[II-II.q.83.a.15.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod oratio innititur principaliter fidei, non quantum ad efficaciam merendi, quia sic innititur principaliter charitati, sed quantum ad efficaciam impetrandi, quia per fidem habet homo notitiam omnipotentia divinæ et misericordia, ex quibus oratio impetrat quod petit.

Article 16

[II-II.q.83.a.16.arg.1] It would seem that sinners impetrate nothing from God by their prayers. It is written (John 9:31): "We know that God doth not hear sinners"; and this agrees with the saying of Proverbs 28:9, "He that turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his prayer shall be an abomination." Now an abominable prayer impetrates nothing from God. Therefore sinners impetrate nothing from God.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.arg.2] Further, the just impetrate from God what they merit, as stated above (15, ad 2). But sinners cannot merit anything since they lack grace and charity which is the "power of godliness," according to a gloss on 2 Timothy 3:5, "Having an appearance indeed of godliness, but denying the power thereof." and so their prayer is impious, and yet piety it required in order that prayer may be impetrative, as stated above (15, ad 2). Therefore sinners impetrate nothing by their prayers.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.arg.2] 2. Præterea, justi impetrant a Deo illud quod merentur, ut supra habitum est. Sed peccatores nihil possunt mereri, quia gratia carent, et etiam charitate, quæ est virtus pietatis, ut dicit Glossa vetus interl., II ad Timoth., 11, 5, super illud: Habentes speciem quidem pietatis, virtutem autem ejus abnegantes; et ita non pie orant; quod requiritur ad hoc quod oratio impetret, ut supra dictum est. Ergo peccatores nihil impetrant orando.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.arg.3] Further, Chrysostom Hom. xiv in the Opus Imperfectum falsely ascribed to St. John Chrysostom says: "The Father is unwilling to hear the prayer which the Son has not inspired." Now in the prayer inspired by Christ we say: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us": and sinners do not fulfil this. Therefore either they lie in saying this, and so are unworthy to be heard, or, if they do not say it, they are not heard, because they do not observe the form of prayer instituted by Christ.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.arg.3] 3. Præterea, Chrysostomus dicit super Matth., hom. xiv Op. imperf. a med.: « Pater non libenter exaudit orationem quam Filius non dictavit. » Sed in oratione quam Christus dictavit, dicitur: Dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris; quod peccatores non faciunt. Ergo vel mentiuntur hoc dicentes, et sic non sunt exauditione digni; vel si non dicant, non exaudiuntur, quia formam orandi a Christo institutam non servant.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.sc] Augustine says (Tract. xliv, super Joan.): "If God were not to hear sinners, the publican would have vainly said: Lord, be merciful to me a sinner"; and Chrysostom [Hom. xviii of the same Opus Imperfectum] says: "Everyone that asketh shall receive, that is to say whether he be righteous or sinful."

[II-II.q.83.a.16.sc] Sed contra est quod Augustinus dicit super Joannem, tract. xliv, §13, col. 1718, t. 3: « Si peccatores Deus non exaudiret, frustra publicanus dixisset: Domine propitius esto mihi peccatori; » et Chrysostomus dicit super Matth., hom. xviii Op. imperf., parum ante med.: « Omnis qui petit, accipit; idest, sive justus sit, sive peccator. »

[II-II.q.83.a.16.co] In the sinner, two things are to be considered: his nature which God loves, and the sin which He hates. Accordingly when a sinner prays for something as sinner, i.e. in accordance with a sinful desire, God hears him not through mercy but sometimes through vengeance when He allows the sinner to fall yet deeper into sin. For "God refuses in mercy what He grants in anger," as Augustine declares (Tract. lxxiii in Joan.). On the other hand God hears the sinner's prayer if it proceed from a good natural desire, not out of justice, because the sinner does not merit to be heard, but out of pure mercy [Cf. 15, ad 1], provided however he fulfil the four conditions given above, namely, that he beseech for himself things necessary for salvation, piously and perseveringly.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod in peccatore duo sunt consideranda: scilicet natura, quam diligit Deus, et culpa, quam odit. Si ergo peccator orando aliquid petit, in quantum peccator, idest, secundum desiderium peccati; in hoc a Deo non auditur ex misericordia, sed quandoque auditur ad vindictam, dum Deus permittit peccatore adhuc amplius ruere in peccata. Deus enim « quædam negat propitius, quæ concedit iratus, » ut Augustinus dicit serm. cccliv, cap. vii, col. 1567, t. 5. Orationem vero peccatoris ex bono naturæ desiderio procedentem Deus audit non quasi ex justitia, quia peccator hoc non meretur, sed ex pura misericordia, observatis tamen quatuor præmissis conditionibus, ut scilicet pro se petat, necessaria ad salutem, pie, et perseveranter.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.ad.1] As Augustine states (Tract. xliv super Joan.), these words were spoken by the blind man before being anointed, i.e. perfectly enlightened, and consequently lack authority. And yet there is truth in the saying if it refers to a sinner as such, in which sense also the sinner's prayer is said to be an abomination.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod, sicut Augustinus dicit super Joan., tract. xliv, §13, col. 1718, t. 3, illud verbum est cæci adhuc inuncti, idest, nondum perfecte illuminati; et ideo non est ratum; quamvis possit verificari, si intelligatur de peccatore, inquantum est peccator; per quem etiam modum oratio ejus dicitur execrabilis.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.ad.2] There can be no godliness in the sinner's prayer as though his prayer were quickened by a habit of virtue: and yet his prayer may be godly in so far as he asks for something pertaining to godliness. Even so a man who has not the habit of justice is able to will something just, as stated above (Question 59, Article 2). And though his prayer is not meritorious, it can be impetrative, because merit depends on justice, whereas impetration rests on grace.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod peccator non potest pie orare, quasi ejus oratio ex habitu virtutis informetur; potest tamen ejus oratio esse pia quantum ad hoc quod petit aliquid ad pietatem pertinens; sicut 1 3 In quibusdam ille qui non habet habitum justitiæ, potest aliquid justum velle, ut ex supra dictis patet. Et quamvis ejus oratio non sit meritoria, potest tamen esse impetrativa, quia meritum innititur justitiæ, sed impetratio 4 gratiae.

[II-II.q.83.a.16.ad.3] As stated above (07, ad 1) the Lord's Prayer is pronounced in the common person of the whole Church: and so if anyone say the Lord's Prayer while unwilling to forgive his neighbor's trespasses, he lies not, although his words do not apply to him personally: for they are true as referred to the person of the Church, from which he is excluded by merit, and consequently he is deprived of the fruit of his prayer. Sometimes, however, a sinner is prepared to forgive those who have trespassed against him, wherefore his prayers are heard, according to Sirach 28:2, "Forgive thy neighbor if he hath hurt thee, and then shall thy sins be forgiven to thee when thou prayest."

[II-II.q.83.a.16.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod, sicut dictum est, oratio dominica profertur ex persona communi totius Ecclesiæ; et ideo si aliquis nolens dimittere debita proximo, dicat orationem dominicam, non mentitur, quamvis hoc quod dicit non sit verum quantum ad suam personam; est enim verum quantum ad personam Ecclesiæ, extra quam est merito, et ideo fructu orationis caret. Quandoque tamen aliqui peccatores parati sunt debitoribus suis dimittere; et ideo ipsi orantes exaudiuntur, secundum illud Eccli., xxviii, 2: Relinque proximo tuo nocenti, et tunc deprecanti tibi peccata solventur.

Article 17

[II-II.q.83.a.17.arg.1] It would seem that the parts of prayer are unfittingly described as supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings. Supplication would seem to be a kind of adjuration. Yet, according to Origen (Super Matth. Tract. xxxv), "a man who wishes to live according to the gospel need not adjure another, for if it be unlawful to swear, it is also unlawful to adjure." Therefore supplication is unfittingly reckoned a part of prayer.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.arg.2] Further, according to Damascene (De Fide Orth. iii, 24), "to pray is to ask becoming things of God." Therefore it is unfitting to distinguish "prayers" from "intercessions."

[II-II.q.83.a.17.arg.2] 2. Præterea, oratio, secundum Damascenum, lib. III orth. Fid., cap. xxiv, col. 1090, t. 4, est « petitio 2 decentium a Deo. » Inconvenienter ergo orationes contra postulationes dividuntur.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.arg.3] Further, thanksgivings regard the past, while the others regard the future. But the past precedes the future. Therefore thanksgivings are unfittingly placed after the others.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.arg.3] 3. Præterea, gratiarum actiones pertinent ad præterita; alia vero ad futura. Sed præterita sunt priora futuris. Inconvenienter ergo gratiarum actiones post alia ponuntur. In contrarium est auctoritas Apostoli I ad Tim., 11.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.sc] suffices the authority of the Apostle (1 Timothy 2:1).

[II-II.q.83.a.17.co] Three conditions are requisite for prayer. First, that the person who prays should approach God Whom he prays: this is signified in the word "prayer," because prayer is "the raising up of one's mind to God." The second is that there should be a petition, and this is signified in the word "intercession." On this case sometimes one asks for something definite, and then some say it is "intercession" properly so called, or we may ask for some thing indefinitely, for instance to be helped by God, or we may simply indicate a fact, as in John 11:3, "Behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick," and then they call it "insinuation." The third condition is the reason for impetrating what we ask for: and this either on the part of God, or on the part of the person who asks. The reason of impetration on the part of God is His sanctity, on account of which we ask to be heard, according to Daniel 9:17-18, "For Thy own sake, incline, O God, Thy ear"; and to this pertains "supplication" [obsecratio] which means a pleading through sacred things, as when we say, "Through Thy nativity, deliver us, O Lord." The reason for impetration on the part of the person who asks is "thanksgiving"; since "through giving thanks for benefits received we merit to receive yet greater benefits," as we say in the collect [Ember Friday in September and Postcommunion of the common of a Confessor Bishop]. Hence a gloss on 1 Timothy 2:1 says that "in the Mass, the consecration is preceded by supplication," in which certain sacred things are called to mind; that "prayers are in the consecration itself," in which especially the mind should be raised up to God; and that "intercessions are in the petitions that follow, and thanksgivings at the end."

We may notice these four things in several of the Church's collects. Thus in the collect of Trinity Sunday the words, "Almighty eternal God" belong to the offering up of prayer to God; the words, "Who hast given to Thy servants," etc. belong to thanksgiving; the words, "grant, we beseech Thee," belong to intercession; and the words at the end, "Through Our Lord," etc. belong to supplication.

In the "Conferences of the Fathers" (ix, cap. 11, seqq.) we read: "Supplication is bewailing one's sins; prayer is vowing something to God; intercession is praying for others; thanksgiving is offered by the mind to God in ineffable ecstasy." The first explanation, however, is the better.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod ad orationem tria requiruntur: quorum primum est ut orans accedat ad Deum, quem orat; quod significatur nomine orationis, quia oratio est « ascensus intellectus 5 in Deum. » Secundo requiritur petitio, quae significatur nomine postulationis; sive petitio proponatur determinate, quod quidam nominant proprie postulationem; sive indeterminate, ut cum quis petit juvari a Deo, quod nominant supplicationem, sive solum factum narretur, secundum illud Joan., xi, 3: Ecce quem amas infirmatur, quod vocant insinuationem. Tertio requiritur ratio impetrandi quod petitur; et hoc vel ex parte Dei, vel ex parte petentis. Ratio quidem impetrandi ex parte Dei est ejus sanctitas, propter quam petimus exaudiri, secundum illud Dan., 1x, 17: Propter temetipsum inclina, Deus meus, aurem tuam; et ad hoc pertinet obsecratio, quae est per sacra contestatio, sicut cum dicimus: « Per nativitatem tuam libera nos, Domine. » Ratio vero impetrandi ex parte petentis est gratiarum actio; quia de acceptis beneficiis gratias agentes, meremur accipere potiora, ut in collecta dicitur. Et ideo dicit Glossa ord. super illud Obsecrationes, orationes, etc., I ad Timoth., 11, col. 627, t. 2, quod « in missa obsecrationes sunt quæ pracedunt consecrationem, » in quibus quædam sacra commemorantur; « orationes sunt in ipsa consecratione, » in qua mens maxime debet elevari in Deum; « postulationes autem sunt in sequentibus petitionibus: gratiarum actiones in fine. » In pluribus etiam Ecclesiæ collectis hæc quatuor possunt attendi; sicut in collecta Trinitatis, quod dicitur: « Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, » pertinet ad orationis ascensum in Deum; quod dicitur: « Qui dedisti famulis tuis, » etc., pertinet ad gratiarum actionem; quod dicitur: « præsta quæsumus, » etc., pertinet ad postulationem; quod infine ponitur: « Per Dominum nostrum, » etc., pertinet ad obsecrationem. In collationibus autem Patrum, collat. 1x, cap. xi etc, col. 783, t. 4, dicitur: « Obsecratio est imploratio pro peccatis: oratio, cum aliquid Deo vovemus; postu- 2 Eorum quæ consentanea sunt postulatio a 3 Nicolai: « mentis. » latio, cum pro aliis petimus; etc. » Sed primum melius est.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.ad.1] "Supplication" is an adjuration not for the purpose of compelling, for this is forbidden, but in order to implore mercy.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod obsecratio non est adjuratio ad compellendum, quæ prohibetur, sed ad misericordiam implorandam.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.ad.2] "Prayer" in the general sense includes all the things mentioned here; but when distinguished from the others it denotes properly the ascent to God.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod oratio communiter sumpta includit omnia quæ hic dicuntur; sed secundum quod contra alia dividitur, importat proprie ascensum in Deum.

[II-II.q.83.a.17.ad.3] Among things that are diverse the past precedes the future; but the one and same thing is future before it is past. Hence thanksgiving for other benefits precedes intercession: but one and the same benefit is first sought, and finally, when it has been received, we give thanks for it. Intercession is preceded by prayer whereby we approach Him of Whom we ask: and prayer is preceded by supplication, whereby through the consideration of God's goodness we dare approach Him.

The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas AquinasSecond and Revised Edition, 1920Literally translated by Fathers of the English Dominican ProvinceOnline Edition Copyright © 2009 by Kevin Knight Nihil Obstat. F. Innocentius Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor. Theol.Imprimatur. Edus. Canonicus Surmont, Vicarius Generalis. Westmonasterii.APPROBATIO ORDINISNihil Obstat. F. Raphael Moss, O.P., S.T.L. and F. Leo Moore, O.P., S.T.L.Imprimatur. F. Beda Jarrett, O.P., S.T.L., A.M., Prior Provincialis AngliæMARIÆ IMMACULATÆ - SEDI SAPIENTIÆ

[II-II.q.83.a.17.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod in diversis præterita præcedunt futura; sed aliquid unum et idem prius est futurum quam sit præteritum. Et ideo gratiarum actio de aliis beneficiis præcedit postulationem aliorum beneficiorum, sed idem beneficium prius postulatur, et ultimo cum acceptum fuerit, de eo gratiae aguntur; postulationem autem præcedit oratio, per quam acceditur ad Deum, a quo petimus; orationem autem præcedit obsecratio, quia ex consideratione divinæ bonitatis ad eum audemus accedere.

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