Religion
‹ 3 · Outline · 5 ›
4.Prayer
Epictetus, Fragments Attributed to EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 185Awareness of God's presence guards prayer and deed.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 288Prayer praised as a precious, safe habitation amid commotions in the world.read · scan
George Long, M. Aurelius AntoninusVol. 2
- p. 318Simplicius, a non-Christian, ends his commentary with a prayer no Christian could improve.read · scan
Walter Bagehot, John MiltonVol. 28
- p. 190–191Devout prayer as source of poetic power.read · scan
4a.Petitionary prayer and its critics
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 24Asked to pray during illness, he asks whether it is the custom.read · scan
- p. 24–25Prayer to spirits above and below is customary; Confucius says his prayer has long lasted, in his conduct.read · scan
Aesop, FablesVol. 17
- p. 35The waggoner prays to Hercules, who tells him to get up and put his shoulder to the wheel.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 383Mary's attention to Jesus' word is the one needful thing over Martha's serving; Jesus teaches the Lord's prayer and persistent prayer.read · scan
- p. 409Watchfulness and supplication urged; Jesus teaches daily in the temple.read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 426–427Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.read · scan
Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12
- p. 42–43Pericles prays to the gods before speaking that no unsuitable word escape him.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 316–317Cassius, though an Epicurean, silently implores Pompey's statue for help.read · scan
Plutarch, AntonyVol. 12
- p. 356Antony prays to the gods to pour any judgment on his head alone and grant his soldiers victory.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 223–224Pray simply and nobly like the Athenians, or not at all.read · scan
- p. 272If the gods have power, pray to them for freedom from fear and desire rather than for events to change.read · scan
- p. 272Pray to be free of desire and fear, not to obtain the lover or keep the child.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 12As a boy he began to pray to God as aid and refuge, that he might not be beaten.read · scan
William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36
- p. 91More's fervent prayer is credited with miraculously recovering his sick daughter.read · scan
- p. 91The daughter's recovery is attributed to her father's fervent prayer, as a miracle.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 37–39Cellini remarks that God grants lawful blessings sought in prayer without doubting.read · scan
- p. 218He prays devoutly before the venture, imploring divine succour.read · scan
Sir Henry Wotton, Elizabeth of Bohemia; Character of a Happy LifeVol. 40
- p. 287–289He prays to God early and late for grace rather than gifts.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 292–293Divinity says the resurrected are perfect; the prayer for long life is not unlawful.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 166–167Why God established prayer: to give creatures the dignity of causality, teach the source of virtue, and let us merit through work.read · scan
- p. 167–168Proofs of prayer; 'work out your own salvation with fear'.read · scan
- p. 221Prayers are acceptable only as the prayers of Jesus Christ.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 66–67Christian uses All-prayer and walks in the strength of the Lord against fiends when the sword is useless.read · scan
- p. 199–200Asking and prayer: the Lord will be enquired of, and things asked for are prized.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard VicarVol. 34
- p. 279Refuses petitionary prayer as asking God to break order; worship is conforming one's will to God's.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 47–48He once prayed and fasted to seek an end to the plague.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 185He fears for his salvation and is forbidden to say a paternoster for seven years.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-RelianceVol. 5
- p. 76–77Emerson condemns petitionary prayer as theft and meanness; true prayer is contemplation of life and appears in all honest action.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-SoulVol. 5
- p. 146–147Faith resting on numbers or authority is not faith; each must pray his own prayer and listen to himself.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, English TraitsVol. 5
- p. 428–429English religion is Old Testament and worldly: prayers for health and wealth, Providence concerned with pounds sterling; the liturgy has grown unfit for a new age.read · scan
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve, MontaigneVol. 32
- p. 117Montaigne's consolation is as lofty as human consolation without prayer or God's presence can be.read · scan
Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln's Second Inaugural AddressVol. 43
- p. 424Both sides read the same Bible and invoke divine aid, yet prayers cannot both be answered.read · scan
George MacDonald, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1118–1119Christ as Son of Man who answers every bygone prayer.read · scan
4b.Prayer of penitence, supplication and thanksgiving
See also: Sin 9a
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 82Supplication to the Almighty urged as a way to restoration.read · scan
- p. 105–106Prayer, vows and delight in the Almighty bring restoration; receive the law from his mouth.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 146–147Prayer, trust and sacrifices of righteousness; the godly are set apart and hear God's answer.read · scan
- p. 148Morning prayer and worship toward God's holy temple; those who take refuge in him rejoice.read · scan
- p. 149–150Prayer, supplication and thanksgiving praise to God Most High.read · scan
- p. 151–152Thanksgiving and praise sung to God; trust in those who know his name.read · scan
- p. 158Prayer, trust and devotion; the psalmist rejects idolatrous offerings and pleads his faithfulness to God's paths.read · scan
- p. 160Prayer in distress answered by God; praise and thanksgiving for deliverance.read · scan
- p. 164–166Prayer, sacrifice and trust in God's name rather than chariots and horses.read · scan
- p. 166Cry of anguished prayer and trust, ending in vows to praise God in the assembly.read · scan
- p. 169–170Prayer of trust, asking to be taught God's ways and forgiven.read · scan
- p. 170–171Prayer for deliverance, love of God's house and public thanksgiving.read · scan
- p. 174–175Supplication, thanksgiving, and call to worship God in holy array.read · scan
- p. 176–177Thanksgiving and praise for deliverance, with supplication in trouble.read · scan
- p. 177Prayer, trust and thanksgiving to Jehovah; exhortation to love the Lord and take courage in hope.read · scan
- p. 177–179Confession, prayer and rejoicing of the godly.read · scan
- p. 194–195The psalmist prays in despondency, remembers God, and resolves to hope and praise him despite mockery of his faith; longs for the altar and temple.read · scan
- p. 208The psalmist prays, complains and casts his burden on God, promising thank-offerings and trust.read · scan
- p. 208–210Prayer, praise and vowed thank-offerings accompany trust in God.read · scan
- p. 211–212Prayer for mercy and refuge under God's wings, ending in resolved singing and thanksgiving among the nations.read · scan
- p. 219–221Praise, vows, prayer and approach to God's temple courts.read · scan
- p. 221–222Call to worship, burnt-offerings, paying vows and testimony that God hears prayer.read · scan
- p. 225–226Kingdoms called to sing praises; the psalmist prays for rescue and bears reproach for zeal for God's house.read · scan
- p. 226–229Prayer for rescue, trust and praise with harp and psaltery, declaring God's works to the next generation.read · scan
- p. 235–236Prayer for the covenant and thanksgiving and praise of God's name.read · scan
- p. 237–238Prayer in trouble and vows paid to Jehovah.read · scan
- p. 245–246Communal prayer with refrain 'Turn us again, O God' and vow to call on his name.read · scan
- p. 250–251Prayer of a poor, godly servant crying to the Lord for mercy, teaching and deliverance; praise and trust in worship.read · scan
- p. 252–253Persistent daily prayer to God amid affliction, and praise of Zion as city of God.read · scan
- p. 269Afflicted man's prayer, crying to Jehovah in distress and trusting God to hear the destitute and restore Zion.read · scan
- p. 270–271Psalm of blessing and praise, thanksgiving for God's benefits.read · scan
- p. 272–275Vows of singing praise, thanksgiving and calls to seek Jehovah and remember his wonders.read · scan
- p. 281–282Refrain calling men to praise Jehovah and offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.read · scan
- p. 282Sailors cry to Jehovah; refrain of praise in the assembly.read · scan
- p. 283–285Vows to sing praise and give thanks to God, prayer amid slander.read · scan
- p. 285Psalmist appeals to Jehovah for deliverance for his name's sake, in prayer.read · scan
- p. 285–288Thanksgiving and praise of Jehovah; God stands with the needy.read · scan
- p. 291–292Thanksgiving, vows, sacrifice and public praise in the temple courts; call to all nations to praise.read · scan
- p. 293Thanksgiving, sacrifice at the altar, rejoicing in the day Jehovah made, blessing those entering his house.read · scan
- p. 301–302Vows, freewill-offerings, hope and fear of God's judgments.read · scan
- p. 305–307Petition, praise and song; the psalmist a lost sheep seeking God, trusting in his help and keeping.read · scan
- p. 319Thanksgiving and prayer to be searched and led in the everlasting way.read · scan
- p. 321Supplication to God as refuge and strength of salvation.read · scan
- p. 322–323Prayer likened to incense and evening sacrifice; crying out to God in distress as refuge.read · scan
- p. 324–325Prayer for deliverance, trust in God's lovingkindness, and asking to be taught God's will and led in uprightness.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 87Trojan women bring gifts to Pallas' temple but the goddess is unmoved by prayer.read · scan
- p. 305Nisus prays to the moon goddess, citing his father's offerings at her altars.read · scan
- p. 325Aeneas prays to the Mother of the gods to confirm her omens and grant victory.read · scan
- p. 381–383Aruns prays to Apollo, who grants half his prayer and scatters the rest.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 355–356Mary's Magnificat praises God, mercy to those who fear him, and Elisabeth blesses her belief.read · scan
- p. 356–357Benedictus praises God for redemption, covenant and mercy, serving him in holiness.read · scan
- p. 357–358Shepherds go, then return glorifying and praising God.read · scan
- p. 415Centurion glorifies God; darkness and rent temple veil mark the death.read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 445Cornelius keeps the hour of prayer, and all gather in God's sight to hear the Lord's commands.read · scan
- p. 448–450Prophets and teachers fast and pray, and the Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul for mission.read · scan
- p. 483–485Paul prays, heals, is mistaken for a god, and thanks God on meeting brethren, taking courage.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 5Prayer, praise, faith and preaching: how one calls on God, and faith given through the Incarnation and the preacher.read · scan
- p. 6–7A prayer of longing for salvation and for the sight of God's face.read · scan
- p. 7–8Prayer of confession, faith and appeal to divine compassion.read · scan
- p. 16–17Prays for God's discipline and mercy, dedicating his learning to God's service.read · scan
- p. 28–29Gratitude, love and confession to the Lord for forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 49–50Mourning in God's ears and prayer give hope; longing to approach God.read · scan
- p. 61–62The confession is a sacrifice of praise, and the soul rises from weariness to God for refreshment and strength.read · scan
- p. 62–63Confession, weeping in God's bosom and casting oneself on Him are shown as the devout return.read · scan
- p. 135His tears are offered as an acceptable sacrifice and prayer to God.read · scan
- p. 138Praise and sacrifice to God as servant, redeemed from bonds; God sweeter than all pleasure.read · scan
- p. 162–163Confesses before God and believers as fellow-pilgrims, serving brethren under God's wings as commanded.read · scan
- p. 180–181Prayer of confession and longing for God's mercy and peace, likening God to a physician of the sick.read · scan
- p. 184–185Prayer and scripture invoked as teacher and deliverer from temptation.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 893–894The faithful called on God and were saved from torment.read · scan
- p. 949–950Believers pray for guidance and mercy, trusting in the promised Day.read · scan
- p. 988–989Believers are urged to remember God frequently and praise Him morning and evening.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 25–26He begs God's forgiveness for impatience and casts the net in God's name.read · scan
- p. 26He invokes God's name, appeals to heaven and notes his limit of four casts.read · scan
- p. 35The Ghuleh counsels the frightened prince to seek God's aid against his oppressor; his prayer saves him.read · scan
- p. 37Duban repeatedly begs, invoking God to spare the king as he spares him.read · scan
- p. 49–50The sufferer prays to Allah for patience and trusts the Prophet's family to intercede.read · scan
- p. 89He prays, thanks God for deliverance, and must not utter God's name in order to fulfil the voice's instructions.read · scan
- p. 90–91He praises God, professes the faith while swimming, and sees his survival as accomplishing God's purpose.read · scan
- p. 176In distress he appeals to God as the only deliverer.read · scan
- p. 232The porter says the name of God before eating and praises God afterward.read · scan
- p. 248The merchant invokes God's power and seeks refuge from Satan; the merchants pray for Sindbad.read · scan
- p. 263–265He thanks and praises God after eating.read · scan
- p. 268He invokes God's strength in his distress.read · scan
- p. 268–269He begs God's aid while wishing for death.read · scan
- p. 270He praises and thanks God on finding the way out.read · scan
- p. 282Passengers are told to pray to God for deliverance; the master invokes God's power.read · scan
- p. 287He praises God for his escape from the river.read · scan
- p. 328The King prays to God, praises Him for answered prayer, and gives a hundred thousand gold pieces as alms in thanks.read · scan
- p. 332She thanks God, who compensated her for her afflictions with a royal husband and prays for a son.read · scan
- p. 355In despair the boy prays, professing God's oneness and Mohammad's apostleship and begging release, and his prayer is answered.read · scan
- p. 355–356He gives thanks to God Most High for saving him from death.read · scan
- p. 356He thanks God for his deliverance and curses the sorcerer.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 160–161Olivier cries his Mea Culpa and prays for Paradise before dying.read · scan
- p. 168–169Turpin dies with Mea Culpa as God's champion; Roland commends him to God and invokes Gabriel.read · scan
- p. 169–171Roland calls on Mary for aid as he tries to break his sword.read · scan
- p. 171–172Roland prays God keep France from stain, cites the sword's holy relics, and confesses his sins in penance.read · scan
- p. 172Roland dies in prayer and penance, raising his glove to God.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 186–187The proud souls recite a paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer, praising God and asking daily manna and pardon.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 347Spirits fall silent to hear righteous prayers; ancestor blesses the Triune Deityread · scan
- p. 419Bernard directs Dante to seek Mary's grace in prayer, since unaided he would fall back; the saints Moses, Anna, Lucia are shown.read · scan
- p. 423Bernard's prayer to the Virgin Mary, mother of grace and hope, that Dante may gaze on the sovereign joy.read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35
- p. 24Before battle the king prays devoutly at the altar, hears mass with the prince, and his company confess and take communion.read · scan
- p. 31–32The English thank God for the victory, and the king forbids boasting, demanding humble thanks.read · scan
- p. 38–39The cardinal pleads in the name of God and humility to avert battle.read · scan
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's TaleVol. 40
- p. 50–51Closing prayer that God make us good and bring us to his bliss.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 227–228Compunction of heart, self-knowledge and unworthiness before God; turn to God amid tribulation.read · scan
- p. 261–262Humble prayer for God's mercy and grace; seek the eternal above all praiseworthy things.read · scan
- p. 268–269Prayer of self-abasement: the soul acknowledges its nothingness and relies on God's grace and love.read · scan
- p. 281–282Prayer to God for help, humility and heavenly fortitude in the daily conflict.read · scan
- p. 284–285Prayer of thanksgiving and humility; the servant cannot repay God's mercies.read · scan
- p. 286–287Prayer for grace and God's inner light against fears, wandering thoughts and temptations.read · scan
- p. 287–288Prayer for grace, light and devotion to lift the mind to heavenly things, and warning to attend to one's own conduct.read · scan
- p. 291Christ counsels giving all to God; prayer for grace and heavenly wisdom to see all as passing vanity.read · scan
- p. 303–304Commit all to God, watch and pray against temptation; humble petition to God's mercy.read · scan
- p. 304–305Devotional prayer of humility, renouncing self and human consolation, and giving thanks and praise to God.read · scan
- p. 311Prayer for endurance and forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 313–314Prayer of pilgrim exile longing for Christ's kingdom.read · scan
- p. 315–316Grace, thanks and humility in prayer; preparing for spiritual conflicts and serving God with fervent will.read · scan
- p. 318Prayer for peace and comfort of God, devotion, praise, and humble submission in suffering.read · scan
- p. 321Humble penitent prayer to a merciful God seeking consolation.read · scan
- p. 326Prayer for God's grace to help infirmity.read · scan
- p. 330–331Prayer of thanks for God's comforting words and hope of salvation in tribulation.read · scan
- p. 334Prayer for sanctification of the soul as God's habitation and for guidance by grace to the home of light.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 163–165The narrator prays God in heaven to grant us well to fare.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 105–106Feast of Pentecost, prayer that God make him a good man, and prophetic letters dated from Christ's passion.read · scan
- p. 128–130The Sangreal appears with candlestick and silver table; the knight prays, gives thanks to God and kisses the cross.read · scan
- p. 130–131He kneels to a hermit going to mass and cries to God for mercy.read · scan
- p. 136–138Evelake's prayer is answered by a voice; he lives three hundred years a holy life awaiting the Grail knight.read · scan
- p. 140–142Percivale prays not to be drawn from God's service; a holy man comes by ship to interpret his dream.read · scan
- p. 146–147He cries to Jesus for grace and receives counsel from the holy man to take this as an example.read · scan
- p. 154–156Launcelot thanks God for his adventure; knights pray in an old chapel.read · scan
- p. 167–168Bors prays weeping to Jesus and Mary as liege man before acting.read · scan
- p. 169–171Bors prays to God and blesses himself, then seeks shelter at an abbey.read · scan
- p. 175–177Colgrevance prays to Jesu for mercy, and Bors calls on God to show miracle.read · scan
- p. 178–179The knights comfort each other and pray as they sail.read · scan
- p. 199–200Launcelot kneels, prays, and beholds the Sangreal, a mass and angels; faith rather than armour saves him.read · scan
- p. 200–202He thanks God for the mercy of his vision of marvels no tongue may tell, and does penance.read · scan
William Caxton, Prefaces and EpiloguesVol. 39
- p. 13Appeals to church doctors and to God's hatred of the sin of sloth.read · scan
- p. 15–16Prays Almighty God to bless the work to his glory and to reward those who correct it in charity.read · scan
Christopher Columbus, The Letter of Columbus to Luis de Sant Angel Announcing His DiscoveryVol. 43
- p. 25–27Columbus urges thanksgiving and fervent prayers to the Holy Trinity for turning many peoples to the holy faith.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 240–241He prays for hours to Christ, vowing pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre if allowed to see the sun.read · scan
- p. 245Believing himself poisoned, he turns to holy prayer.read · scan
- p. 245–247He prays an hour, thanking God for a merciful death and later for his salvation.read · scan
- p. 256–258He prays for God's pardon, speaks a Miserere, gives his soul to God, and sees saints and Peter in vision.read · scan
- p. 336–337Cellini prays to God, invoking his true act of piety in bringing alms to his sister, and asks for aid and counsel.read · scan
- p. 337Cellini sings a Miserere and prays during the storm, and afterwards credits prayers to God with saving them.read · scan
- p. 373Cellini gives thanks to God and offers a golden eye at S. Lucia's shrine.read · scan
- p. 380Prayer during the casting and thanksgiving on his knees after success.read · scan
- p. 404–405Cellini gives fervent thanks to God for aid, plans a pilgrimage of thanksgiving, and trusts God helps those who call sincerely.read · scan
Ambroise Paré, Journeys in Diverse PlacesVol. 38
- p. 52–53Paré prays in the garden that God bless his hands and medicaments so the patient may recover.read · scan
Sir Francis Drake, Sir Francis Drake RevivedVol. 33
- p. 170–171Drake makes a prayer of petition before his companions.read · scan
- p. 180–181Drake and his company heartily praise God on their rescue.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 399–400She seeks counsel from Lela Marien and invokes Allah for his protection.read · scan
- p. 415The escapees pray to God and Our Lady, and take the changed wind as answer to their prayers.read · scan
- p. 419Landing safely in Spain, they kiss the earth and weep, giving thanks to God for their deliverance.read · scan
Edmund Spenser, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 244–246Prays to the powers of heaven for blessing and happiness.read · scan
- p. 248–250Easter prayer to Christ who triumphed over death and sin, asking love and eternal felicity.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 145Lost sailors lift up hearts and voices to God, praying for deliverance and discovery of land.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Proœmium, Epistle Dedicatory, Preface, and Plan of the Instauratio MagnaVol. 39
- p. 126–128Bacon prays to the Trinity and asks that natural inquiry not breed incredulity toward divine mysteries; faith given its due.read · scan
- p. 142A prayer that the labour may return to God's glory and bring mercies to the human family.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King LearVol. 46
- p. 267–269Lear resolves to pray before he sleeps.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46
- p. 340Prayers of the grooms contrast with Macbeth's inability to say Amen when he most needed blessing.read · scan
- p. 363–365Lords appeal to prayer, to pious Edward and to Heaven to ratify their cause.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The TempestVol. 46
- p. 461–463Prospero says prayer pierces so that it assaults Mercy itself.read · scan
Thomas Nashe, In Time of Pestilence; SpringVol. 40
- p. 260–261Refrain 'Lord, have mercy on us'; heaven is our heritage and earth but a stage.read · scan
John Donne, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 303–305The plea for forgiveness and fear of death shows devotion and repentance.read · scan
John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47
- p. 814–817Bosola urges penitential garment, beads and prayer-books.read · scan
- p. 824Crucifix, shroud, prayers and kneeling at heaven's gate.read · scan
William Drummond, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 327–328Penitent devotion at Christ's feet.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15
- p. 350–351Donne publishes his Book of Devotions after recovery, thanking God, a sacred picture of meditations and prayers.read · scan
- p. 359–361Each year's remainder blessed with a thankful prayer.read · scan
- p. 361–362Donne's letter: sickness brings him to prayer and heaven's gates; he wishes to die in the pulpit preaching.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 416–418He prays for God's mercy and receives his soul; the friendship charge invokes the religion of friendship.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 283–284The poem prays for divine light to replace earthly, infernal flames that choke devout aspirations.read · scan
Pierre Corneille, PolyeucteVol. 26
- p. 105–109Polyeucte prays to Christ and invokes saints, in a hymn scorning worldly pleasure for martyrdom and heaven.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 136God promises to hear prayer, repentance and obedience, and offers grace to soften stony hearts.read · scan
- p. 304Adam and Eve prostrate themselves, confess faults, and beg pardon with tears, trusting God's mercy.read · scan
- p. 319Adam argues prayer or a sigh reaches God; his prayer brought peace and assurance of being heard.read · scan
John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4
- p. 415Manoa proposes offerings, prayers and vows to avert God's ire.read · scan
Henry Vaughan, Beyond the Veil; The RetreatVol. 40
- p. 346–348Prayer to the Father of eternal life for release into true liberty.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 86–87Pascal presents his discourse as written by a man who prayed on his knees before and after.read · scan
- p. 247Daniel prays wholeheartedly, prostrate before God, and is answered.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, LettersVol. 48
- p. 340Trust and prayer to God for direction of liferead · scan
- p. 345–346Asks sister to join acts of grace to prayers and not fail in fastsread · scan
- p. 355Christian precepts are fuller of consolation than worldly maxims; prayer removes vanity and despondency.read · scan
- p. 357–358Exhorts continual prayer amid danger, shunning worldly ties and moral corruption in holy places; cites a miracle of the holy Thorn.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Minor WorksVol. 48
- p. 366Prayer that sickness be used as a true Christian should, recognizing God as Father in all conditions.read · scan
- p. 366–367Prays for conversion of heart, for grace beyond scripture, sacraments and works, to retake a heart occupied by the world.read · scan
- p. 369Sacraments, penitence and living to please God are the framework of the prayer.read · scan
- p. 370Seeks God's kingdom within the faithful and conformity of sentiments to God's.read · scan
- p. 385–386Adoration, penitence and prayer: adore God as creature, thank him as debtor, satisfy him as criminal, pray as one needy.read · scan
- p. 392–393De Saci recalls Augustine's prayer to the God of truth.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 47–48Gives thanks to God for guiding his eye to the Roll, his assurance of acceptance.read · scan
- p. 63–64Christian answers with scripture and closes with thanksgiving and blessing of God's holy name.read · scan
- p. 69–70Christian sings thanks for deliverance from devils, hell and sin, and lets Jesus wear the crown.read · scan
- p. 77–79Pilgrims cry to God for help and deliverance in trials.read · scan
- p. 120–121Pilgrims pray from midnight to daybreak; Christian then recalls the key of Promise.read · scan
- p. 181–183She prays, welcomes a heavenly visitor in God's name, and asks to go worship the King.read · scan
- p. 189–190Mercy prays to the Most Blessed to guide her to his gate and hill, and Christiana cites scripture that those who sow in tears reap in joy.read · scan
- p. 190–191Verse prayer for grace and holy ways; pilgrims are blessed for believing the promises and expect trials from enemies.read · scan
- p. 191–192Pilgrims knock at the gate in fear of the enemy's dog and receive admittance, showing need of prayer and humility.read · scan
- p. 193–194Entry at the Gate, prayer, faith and comfort in the Lord's favour dramatize the pilgrim's religious life.read · scan
- p. 194–195Mercy worships prostrate, offers the sacrifice of praise and pleads with the Lord about his judgments.read · scan
- p. 240–241Guide prays that we fare no worse when tried.read · scan
- p. 247Pilgrims pray for light in the dark valley and God sends deliverance; trust in the Lord's name sustains them.read · scan
- p. 249–250He prays in the rest and praises God for deliverance.read · scan
- p. 304–305Pilgrims pray for a more comfortable way; the fog lifts in answer.read · scan
- p. 306–307Stand-fast turns to prayer and thanks for deliverance from the temptation.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 83Prayer from Thomson asks God for goodness, knowledge and pure virtue; daily address to Powerful Goodness.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 172Prayer, humility and bearing the cross bring refreshment and steadiness.read · scan
- p. 174–175Prayer in secret for preservation from corruption and for wisdom; supplication renews his strength.read · scan
- p. 177Prayer, Scripture (Ezekiel as watchman) and Christian principle guide his action.read · scan
- p. 204Woolman prays in secret distress and finds inward relief from the Most High.read · scan
- p. 204–205Meetings, ministry, tears and prayer; the Lord sends the Comforter in distress.read · scan
- p. 212Woolman prays with tears and silence for guidance in meeting.read · scan
- p. 234–235Prayer to be purged of selfishness; Holy Spirit helps infirmities; resignation in trials.read · scan
- p. 246–247Prayer and tears to his Heavenly Father, meetings appointed, ministry in the love of the gospel.read · scan
- p. 252Prayer and supplication, tearful resignation to God's direction, and the inward struggle of a faithful servant.read · scan
- p. 256He prays for support, speaks in meeting on Christ's prayer and the Lord's protection of his people.read · scan
- p. 280Worship meetings, inward cries for help, resignation, and thankfulness for the Lord's guidance; the humility of Jesus is held up as a pattern.read · scan
- p. 284He seeks the Lord's direction and the leadings of the Holy Spirit, with contrition, self-will subjected, and gospel love.read · scan
- p. 286Prayer, tears and waiting on the Lord's will guide his scruples; he feels reverence and need of Divine instruction.read · scan
- p. 289–290Turns to Christ, heart contrite, will subjected; seeks Divine guidance on passage.read · scan
- p. 296Cabin meeting, contrition, taking up the cross, thankfulness to God.read · scan
- p. 296–297Breathings after God, cabin meeting, and hope for Christ's peaceable government among mankind.read · scan
- p. 300Contrition, prayer and humble dependence on the Heavenly Father; trust in God amid sea dangers.read · scan
- p. 313–314Devotional prayer following Christ's meekness under suffering.read · scan
Christopher Smart, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 495–497Adoration, prayer of saints better than incense; man of prayer stronger than beasts; the Church.read · scan
- p. 497–498Penitential tear, prayer, hosannah and martyr's gore are precious and glorious offerings.read · scan
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Minna von Barnhelm, or The Soldier's FortuneVol. 26
- p. 322–323Minna offers a grateful thought to heaven as the most perfect prayer, and sees joy as pleasing the Creator.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 157–159Margaret prays to the Mater Dolorosa at her shrine with flowers, seeking deliverance from disgrace and death.read · scan
- p. 195–197She proposes kneeling to move the saints by prayer, and sees hell's flames beneath the threshold.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, EgmontVol. 19
- p. 323–324Clara pictures the desecrated image of the Saviour lifting imploring eyes to the Father over the scaffold.read · scan
William Blake, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 585–586Lion invokes Him who bore the lamb's suffering.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 33–35Prayerful psalm paraphrases and petitions for forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 213–215Poet claims little skill at prayer but repeats poor men's prayersread · scan
- p. 236–238Prayer to the dread Power; Bible says heedless sinners shall be damned.read · scan
- p. 283–285Burns hopes gratitude, impotent in this world, will avail in the world to come.read · scan
- p. 426–428Short prayers of thanksgiving and content; satirical glimpse of a cold kirk and minister.read · scan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient MarinerVol. 41
- p. 688–690He tries to pray but a wicked whisper dries his heart; no saint takes pity.read · scan
- p. 690–692Prayer becomes possible again; sleep is credited to Mary Queen from Heaven.read · scan
- p. 700–701Mariner prizes communal worship, walking to the kirk and praying together, over the marriage-feast; prayer defined as love of all creatures.read · scan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 712–713Christabel devoutly bids praise the Virgin for the rescue.read · scan
- p. 715–716Christabel kneels and raises her eyes to heaven; Geraldine must pray.read · scan
- p. 717–719Christabel praying, making vows; saints aid those who call; matin bell.read · scan
- p. 719–720She prays to Christ for forgiveness of sins.read · scan
George Washington, Washington's First Inaugural AddressVol. 43
- p. 226He offers public supplication, homage and pious gratitude as fitting to begin a new free government.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 132–133Cristoforo leads the refugees in prayer, asking strength to desire God's will and mercy even for their persecutor.read · scan
- p. 189–190Renzo recalls his prayer with the friar and stops at wayside images to pray, repenting his anger.read · scan
- p. 281–282He thanks God in his heart on landing.read · scan
- p. 327–328Lucia begs for love of God and the Virgin, offers prayer and forgiveness, reminds her captors they must die and need God's mercy.read · scan
- p. 329–330Lucia, finding pleas useless, prays fervently and says her rosary with more faith than ever, trusting God to soften hearts.read · scan
- p. 334–335Lucia's invocation of the Virgin's name stirs a distant memory of long-neglected devotion.read · scan
- p. 337–338She appeals to the Virgin, promises prayer, and asks to be taken to a church.read · scan
- p. 341Remembering that she can still pray brings a ray of comfort.read · scan
- p. 382–383Lucia invokes God's reward and praises the Madonna for deliverance.read · scan
- p. 395–396The Cardinal receives the converted Unnamed as a friend; Lucia thanks the Lord for Renzo's safety.read · scan
- p. 596Renzo kneels and pours out broken prayer to God, which men could not bear to hear.read · scan
- p. 615–616Renzo thanks the Lord and the Madonna for Lucia's recovery.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 63The queen prays at church; the king gives thanks to God for the deliveranceread · scan
- p. 81Grethel cries out to God to help them.read · scan
- p. 98The mother urges piety and trust in God's protection; Cinderella prays at the grave.read · scan
- p. 117Starving and maimed, she kneels and prays to God, who helps her.read · scan
- p. 173Hans kneels in tears and thanks God for delivering him from the stones.read · scan
- p. 207–208Two-eyes says a short prayer, 'Lord God, be with us always', before eating the magic meal.read · scan
Percy Bysshe Shelley, The CenciVol. 18
- p. 291Beatrice has borne wrong with patience and passionate prayers to God the father of all.read · scan
- p. 291–294Beatrice bids her father bow before offended God; Lucretia calls on God as their only friend.read · scan
Percy Bysshe Shelley, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 834–835The wind is addressed in prayer as a spirit for deliverance.read · scan
John Keats, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 884–885Porphyro implores all saints; Madeline devoted to St. Agnes.read · scan
- p. 889–890Madeline kneels for heaven's grace at vespers, with silver cross.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 270The brothers thank God for the rock on which they rest at night.read · scan
- p. 273Eliza prays ardently for help to release her brothers, even in her sleep.read · scan
- p. 274Eliza wakes and prays gratefully before beginning her task.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1269–1271The maiden prays and thinks of Christ who stilled the waveread · scan
- p. 1271–1273The smith attends church, and prayer for salvation from death at searead · scan
John Greenleaf Whittier, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1360–1363The besieged pray for rescue, then burst into thanksgiving to God when rescue comes.read · scan
Walt Whitman, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1420–1421Prayer, vows, faith and thanksgiving on his knees; devotion kept through imprisonment and disgrace.read · scan
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1149–1151Prayer in heaven and on earth; bathing in God's sight.read · scan
- p. 1151–1153Shrines, prayer, Mary and Christ frame her hope of a blessing in heaven.read · scan
- p. 1159–1161He prayed at the altar and goes to the Christmas feast, trusting in Christ.read · scan
- p. 1170–1172Cries of 'God, what help?' and the Queen's prayer.read · scan
Robert Louis Stevenson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1212–1213Prayer to the Lord to rouse his obdurate spirit through pain.read · scan
4c.Prayer for others and for the dead
See also: Immortality 8c
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 71Job offers burnt-offerings continually on behalf of his children.read · scan
- p. 140–141Friends offer burnt-offerings and Job prays for them, and God accepts him.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 267–269Exhortations to worship, thanksgiving and service of Jehovah, with Moses, Aaron and Samuel as intercessors.read · scan
Paul, The Second Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45
- p. 516–517Paul blesses God as Father of mercies and comforter, and relies on prayer and thanksgiving of the church.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 410–411Jesus prays for Peter's faith not to fail; Satan seeks to sift the disciples.read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 423Apostles gather in prayer after the ascension, awaiting the Holy Spirit and baptism; the founding of the Christian community's devotion.read · scan
- p. 424–425The brethren pray and choose a replacement witness of the resurrection; Pentecost brings the Spirit upon them.read · scan
- p. 431–432The believers pray, are filled with the Spirit, and witness to the resurrection.read · scan
- p. 443–444Cornelius, a devout Gentile centurion, fears God and prays always; his prayers and alms are remembered before God.read · scan
- p. 448The church prays earnestly for imprisoned Peter, and his deliverance is attributed to the Lord.read · scan
Plutarch, CoriolanusVol. 12
- p. 180Prayer is made agonizing because she cannot pray both for Rome's victory and her son's safety.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 41–42Manichaean beliefs about the fig-tree are mocked; Monica's prayers and faith are answered by God.read · scan
- p. 43Prayer, devotion and the Church's counsel; Monica takes the bishop's answer as from Heaven.read · scan
- p. 71Monica's prayer and tears at the oratory of Cyprian, with God answering her deeper desire.read · scan
- p. 95Monica prays daily for a vision about his marriage and hopes baptism will follow.read · scan
- p. 153–154She asks only to be remembered at the Lord's altar.read · scan
- p. 155–156Prayers and the Sacrifice offered at the grave; Ambrose's hymn recalled for consolation.read · scan
- p. 156–157Baptism and confession and intercessory prayer for the dead.read · scan
- p. 157–158Monica served the altar daily and cared only to be commemorated in the Sacrifice, not for a monument.read · scan
- p. 158Prayers at the altar, the Catholic Mother, and citizenship in the eternal Jerusalem.read · scan
BeowulfVol. 49
- p. 10–12The warden blesses the strangers, praying the Father Almighty guard them.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 78He pleads that God will pardon the 'Efrit for mercy shown to a Muslim.read · scan
- p. 131–132Funeral rites include Kur'an recitations and alms for her soul.read · scan
- p. 215–216The Khalifeh hopes the sheykhs' prayers will bring good in this world and the next and wishes to see their blessings.read · scan
- p. 293Master and servant invoke God's recompense and protection, praying for each other.read · scan
- p. 337–339Prayer for the king's long life and victory; the dead king admitted to God's mercy.read · scan
- p. 346–347Friday, the day of worship, delays opening the shop; the mother prays for the uncle.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 156–157Roland prays that God take the fallen to Paradise; the heathen invoke Mahound.read · scan
- p. 166–168Turpin blesses and absolves the dead and prays God give their souls Paradise.read · scan
- p. 182–184Clergy pray, bless the dead, burn incense and myrrh; Christian burial rites contrasted with heathens' abuse of their gods.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 156–157Excommunicated Manfredi must wait in Purgatory thirty times his presumption unless shortened by the prayers of good men.read · scan
- p. 161–162Spirits sing Miserere and beg prayers of the living; repentance and forgiveness at the last.read · scan
- p. 162Souls beg prayers and adorations from the living to purge their sins.read · scan
- p. 162–165Buonconte's body was swept away, the cross he made in death loosened; souls ask remembrance by the living.read · scan
- p. 175Nino asks prayers from innocent daughter, in a place where prayers are answered.read · scan
- p. 194–195The shades invoke Mary, Michael, Peter and all saints to pray for them.read · scan
- p. 195–198Prayer of the living aids souls in purgatory; a hermit's devout orisons help Sapia.read · scan
- p. 223–225He cites the Gospel that none are given in marriage in heaven and asks her prayers to hasten his release.read · scan
- p. 239–240Prayers of the living shorten the souls' waiting; Christ's ransom is recalled.read · scan
- p. 250–254Guinicelli asks for a paternoster said in Christ's cloister; the penitents ask remembrance in prayer.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 184–186Robin's penance vow and the prayer for his soul that Christ have mercy.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 194–195She dies as sacrifice for another, seeking soul's health, blessing herself and asking prayers.read · scan
- p. 197Galahad and Percivale pray all night for Bors; Launcelot receives a vision and lives fed by grace and prayer.read · scan
William Caxton, Prefaces and EpiloguesVol. 39
- p. 8–9Prays for peace, love and charity, citing the Apostle and Christ's crucifixion.read · scan
- p. 11–12Closes by praying God to bring his patron to everlasting life in Heaven.read · scan
- p. 18Prays for Chaucer's soul and that readers may come to everlasting life in heaven.read · scan
- p. 20Hopes readers attain everlasting bliss in heaven after this transitory life.read · scan
- p. 24–26Prays for the prince's virtue and everlasting life in heaven.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 224Funeral rites with prayers for the soul's pardon and commending souls to God.read · scan
Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36
- p. 306God cares for sincere prayer, not many masses; masses for the dead have become money-getting mockery.read · scan
William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36
- p. 125He prays for his judges and trusts in salvation.read · scan
- p. 125He asks prayers and dies in the faith of the Catholic Church, imitating St. Cyprian.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 110Cellini tells the pleading thief to make his peace with God, refusing him good or evil.read · scan
- p. 261He credits his cousins' fervent prayers with his deliverance by God and follows the will of Heaven.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 180Prisoner promises prayers to God for the giver's reward in heaven.read · scan
- p. 217–218Sancho's garbled Latin about hell and purgatory comically distinguishes hopeless damnation from hopeful penance.read · scan
- p. 403He asks Zoraida to commend their plan to Lela Marien with the prayers the captive taught her.read · scan
- p. 417She prays that Lela Marien, cause of her conversion, comfort her father.read · scan
- p. 428The old father importunes God with incessant prayers that he may see his son before dying.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 151–152Strangers compare the kindly welcome to salvation in Heaven, pray for the priest-governor, and take the land for holy ground.read · scan
Christopher Marlowe, The Tragical History of Doctor FaustusVol. 19
- p. 247Scholars urge him to call on God and pray for him; the Devil prevents him from naming God.read · scan
- p. 248The scholars pray for Faustus and urge him to call on God.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 196Debate over burial rites, prayers, and requiem for the suicide; Laertes calls the priest churlishread · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 414–415Clergy and family pray for him; he prepares through mortification, patience and praise of God.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 256–258He wishes prayer for the dead were consonant with truth, and tempers despair through God's mercy.read · scan
- p. 317–318He prays for friends, enemies, the dying and strangers; charity desires salvation for all souls.read · scan
- p. 329–330Giving to the poor lends to the Lord; charity to beggars by purse and prayer; Christian commonwealth needs poor.read · scan
Pierre Corneille, PolyeucteVol. 26
- p. 111–115Polyeucte prays for Pauline's conversion, insisting faith is more than sight, and submits to God's will.read · scan
- p. 128Felix prays Severus may become a Christian and asks earth to guard martyrs' ashes.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 319Repentant parents pray, their sighs inspired by grace and carried to heaven, presented by the Son as intercessor.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 165The just man acts by faith in small things, praying for his servants' correction and relying on God's Spirit in all his actions.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, LettersVol. 48
- p. 329–330Contrasts care for an earthly house with the mystic tower; asks for prayers for Jacqueline's affair.read · scan
- p. 339Prayer and sacrifices aid the dead; charity to them means practising their counselsread · scan
Blaise Pascal, Minor WorksVol. 48
- p. 365His exemplary piety and love of God crowned his life; readers are told to thank God and pray for him.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 183–184The visitor counsels the pilgrimage, the letter as a song to sing, and prayer for the journey.read · scan
- p. 192–193Christiana is welcomed at the gate with joy; she intercedes for Mercy, who begs for grace and forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 283–284Pilgrims and friends commit each other to the protection of their King at parting.read · scan
- p. 315–316Stand-fast, found praying in the Enchanted Ground, sends prayers for his family and awaits his Master's call.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 102–103Whitefield prays for Franklin's conversion; the saints' custom of shifting obligation to heaven is jokingly noted.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 124–127Prayers, requiems and masses for the dead man's soul; Margaret will pray for him.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, EgmontVol. 19
- p. 316Citizens are said to kneel in earnest prayer to wrest his life from heaven.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 394–396Prayer that God protect the child and mother plant, friend of woe and want.read · scan
Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 565–566Prayers put up for the Chevalier.read · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 620He credits God with blessing his work and prays God will strengthen Luke against fear and temptation.read · scan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient MarinerVol. 41
- p. 698–700The pious Hermit kneels three times daily, crosses the Mariner's brow and prays as the ship sinks.read · scan
Robert Surtees, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 769–770Chapel wake, dead man's mass and a friar singing over the grave for his soul.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 84–85The friar pleads and offers prayer for Rodrigo, hands raised in supplication.read · scan
- p. 276He beguiles his fear by reciting prayers for the dead.read · scan
- p. 394–395They pray to God and the Madonna and hope for conversion rather than vengeance.read · scan
- p. 562–563Renzo prays for the unknown dead and expects charity from a priest exercising his functions.read · scan
- p. 568–569She bids the child rest in peace and pray for them; Renzo prays God to take them.read · scan
- p. 590–591Friar and Renzo pray together for the dying enemy.read · scan
- p. 592He prays for the search's happy issue, joining the prayer for Rodrigo; description of the chapel with its altar.read · scan
- p. 600–601Renzo cites saintly Father Cristoforo's approval; both agree to pray together for the dying enemy.read · scan
- p. 601–602Renzo trusts a saint speaks for the Lord; Lucia defers to Cristoforo and asks his prayers.read · scan
- p. 608–609Friar urges prayer, the holy relic of the bread, and hope of eternal reunion.read · scan
- p. 610–611Friar Cristoforo blesses the couple, asks for prayers, and hopes to meet Renzo again above.read · scan
- p. 626–627Lucia asks prayer for Father Cristoforo's soul, sure he now prays for them above.read · scan
- p. 627–628Renzo hopes the Lord will have mercy on the dying Don Rodrigo.read · scan
- p. 629–630Renzo says he prayed Paternosters for Rodrigo and now the De profundis for his soul.read · scan
John Keats, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 887–888Angela's prayers for Porphyro, and Madeline's pious care.read · scan
George Long, The Philosophy of AntoninusVol. 2
- p. 338Forgiveness is a peculiarly Christian precept, in the spirit of 'Father, forgive them'.read · scan
Robert E. Lee, Lee's Farewell to His ArmyVol. 43
- p. 423Prays a merciful God will bless and protect them.read · scan
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 986More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of; men who know God should lift hands of prayer.read · scan
Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln's Letter to Mrs. BixbyVol. 43
- p. 420Prays that the Heavenly Father assuage her anguish.read · scan
John Ruskin, Sesame and LiliesVol. 28
- p. 148–149Piety should be taught as wide sympathy in prayer for the desolate, not narrow devotion that becomes household discomfort.read · scan
4d.Hypocritical and formal prayer
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 241–242In affliction they sought God earnestly, but their heart was not right nor faithful to the covenant.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 400–401Persistent prayer; humble publican's prayer is justified over the Pharisee's self-righteous one.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 190–191Prayer is interrupted by idle thoughts; God has healed his pride and vindictiveness and made His yoke light.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 883Condemns those careless in prayer who pretend and withhold necessaries; the pious give alms for the Lord's face.read · scan
- p. 945–946Fear of God brings discrimination and forgiveness; false prayer of whistling and clapping is condemned; only the pious guard the Mosque.read · scan
- p. 981–982Belief in God, angels, apostles and the last day is required; hypocrites who pray lazily to be seen are condemned.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 161Only prayer from a heart in grace avails; other prayer is unheard in Heaven.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 314–315Prayer distracted by carnal thoughts; plea for God's mercy and pure prayer free of worldly things.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 184Gines proposes commuting the homage into ave-marias and creeds said for the knight's intention.read · scan
- p. 273–276The curate feigns a prayer for refastening beards, and Don Quixote wants to learn it.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 160The King's attempt at prayer; mercy and prayer serve to forestall or pardon fault, but words need sincerity.read · scan
- p. 161–162The King's prayer fails: words without thoughts never go to heaven.read · scan
Molière, Tartuffe, or The HypocriteVol. 26
- p. 211–213Orgon describes Tartuffe's ostentatious devotion at church, prayer and scrupulous self-accusation over a flea.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 163–164Humility pleases God more than display; the Pharisee and Publican; better not to fast than be self-satisfied.read · scan
- p. 239Lip service without heart, fear taught by human precept; those who adore God in heart understand prophecy.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 324–325Formal, dry devotion to God compared with anxious respect for great men; prayer 'Thy will be done' means his own.read · scan
William Penn, More Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 387Formal worship cannot excuse breach of moral duty; God is not served where his law is violated.read · scan
- p. 396God will not hear prayers of those deaf to the distressed.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 152–154Margaret cannot pray near Mephistopheles; Faust laments her living faith fearing him doomed.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 70–72Hypocritical elder prays in self-righteous zeal, calling himself a pillar of the temple.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 9Curate reciting breviary and evening prayers while his mind wanders; chapel painted with souls in purgatory.read · scan
4e.Silent and inward prayer and contemplation
See also: Slavery 8b · Duty 3d · Desire 4d · Liberty 2e
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 215–216Prayer, vows, silent waiting and trust in God as refuge, dwelling in his tabernacle.read · scan
- p. 217–218Devotion through seeking God in the sanctuary, praise, meditation, and prayer for protection.read · scan
- p. 311–313Prayer from the depths, waiting and hoping in Jehovah for redemption; a humble, stilled soul like a weaned child.read · scan
Paul, The Second Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45
- p. 530Paul's mystical vision, caught up to the third heaven and Paradise, and Christ's grace sufficient in weakness.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 365–366Jesus prays in the desert and sends the cleansed leper to the priest per Moses.read · scan
- p. 368Jesus prays all night and chooses twelve apostles.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 151–152Shared devotional contemplation of the saints' eternal life, hungering for the fountain of life.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 921–922Believers fall adoring and weeping at the recital; prayer should be neither loud nor murmured but between.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 375Rapt devotion pervades the spheres; silence and song are withheld with Beatrice's smile.read · scan
- p. 416–417Bernard's devotion to Mary and Dante's adoring gaze, like the pilgrim before Veronica's veil, show worship and contemplation.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 213–214Inner peace and contemplation of God require watchfulness, prayer, devout conversation and mortifying worldly desires as the Saints did.read · scan
- p. 225–226Retirement, silence and compunction are the way of the devout soul, who learns Scripture and draws near to God.read · scan
- p. 238Turn inward to Christ and prepare the heart as his dwelling; the kingdom of God is within, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.read · scan
- p. 240Inward communion with God needs no set place or season; resign oneself to God, keep a good conscience.read · scan
- p. 242–243Simplicity and purity lift man to God; turning wholly to God renews him like iron in fire.read · scan
- p. 243–244The spiritual man attends to himself and God, free of worldly care, finding solace in God alone.read · scan
- p. 244–245The spiritual man walks inwardly with God, committing himself wholly to Him.read · scan
- p. 258–259Blessed is the soul that hears God inwardly, turns from the world, and gives itself to the Creator in devotion.read · scan
- p. 259–260Prayer for God to speak inwardly; God's words are to be heard with humility, silence and deep love.read · scan
- p. 283–284Ardent prayer for union with Jesus, the soul's beloved, awaiting his coming and grace.read · scan
- p. 290–291Prayer for a free mind fixed on heavenly things, freed from cares and worldly consolation by God's Spirit.read · scan
- p. 299Prayer for union with God and purity of spirit; the spiritual armour of patience is needed throughout life against temptation.read · scan
- p. 302–303Self-surrender, prayer, following Jesus, and seeking counsel of God as Moses did in the tabernacle.read · scan
- p. 305–306Union with God requires humility, self-emptying, and willingness to be despised; grace seeks the humble heart.read · scan
- p. 320–321Contemplation, scripture, patience in spiritual drought, awaiting God's visitation and eternal peace.read · scan
- p. 322Solitary prayer, detachment from friends and worldly comfort, being alone with God, pilgrims in this world.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 241He sees Christ and the Madonna in the sun and gives thanks to God's glory, ecstatically.read · scan
- p. 244–245He asserts God revealed the Eternal Light and glory to him.read · scan
- p. 250Cellini claims a divine vision and an aureole of glory on his head as a favour from God, justifying His secrets.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 399The reply invokes Allah and Mary, urging her to pray to Mary for guidance; the writer pledges as a good Christian.read · scan
Francis Quarles, An EcstasyVol. 40
- p. 341Soul united with Best-Beloved, a devotional reading.read · scan
Richard Crashaw, Wishes for the Supposed Mistress; Upon the Book and Picture of the Seraphical Saint TeresaVol. 40
- p. 362–364Poet prays St. Teresa to burn away his self and sin, dying to his own life to live in hers.read · scan
Henry Vaughan, Beyond the Veil; The RetreatVol. 40
- p. 348Spiritual yearning for the heavenly city of palm trees.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 242–243The Valley of Humiliation is where the Lord had his country-house; solitude for contemplation and God's provision for pilgrims.read · scan
- p. 243–244Mercy loves the solitary valley for reflecting on what she is and what the King calls her to; contrite spirit favoured by God.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 363–364Faith and devotion should be lively; prayer and worship must be kindled by God's fire.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 175Speaks in meeting, errs by saying more than required, is forgiven, and learns to wait in silence for divine leading.read · scan
- p. 184–185Worship in spirit and truth; inward stillness, not seeking words, but uttering what truth opens; discouragement and refreshment in ministry.read · scan
- p. 189–190Visiting Friends' families in Quaker meetings; distress and waiting on the Lord for direction.read · scan
- p. 196–197Christian leaders' example and attention to divine love help the weaker and dispose the mind for meditation.read · scan
- p. 200Meditation on the Lord's mercy, a vision of light and inward words, and travel under Quaker certificate.read · scan
- p. 224Meeting seeks the mind of truth inwardly manifested through humility and inward prayer.read · scan
- p. 242–243He seeks the Lord's instruction and Quaker meeting unity before acting.read · scan
- p. 244Retirement, being bowed before the Lord, and truth bringing tenderness in the conference.read · scan
- p. 278Journey of meetings, silent waiting, contrition and heavenly refreshment; he ascribes strength and peace to the Lord's leading and love.read · scan
- p. 279Inward retirement, resignation to God, the sufferings of Christ and the Apostles revived; the meeting ends in a sense of God's goodness.read · scan
- p. 281Journeys to Quarterly and Yearly Meetings under inward waiting, trusting divine help to open the way and reach the pure witness in minds.read · scan
- p. 295Waiting upon God and the leading of Christ the good Shepherd; resignation to the Creator.read · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 672–674The holy evening is like a nun in adoration; the child worships at the inner shrine, God with her unknowing.read · scan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 707–708Entranced in prayer he worships the Invisible; soul awakes to praise and thanks in a hymn.read · scan
- p. 708–710Adoration and praise, tears and worship before the mountain as ambassador to Heaven.read · scan
- p. 710–711Christabel kneels in silent prayer in the midnight wood, invoking Jesu and Mary.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-RelianceVol. 5
- p. 73Prefers the silent church before the service to any preaching.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 277She prays silently and trusts help; the Archbishop reads the saints' pictures as testimony of sinfulness.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1267–1269A prayer for peace and the spirit's voiceless prayerread · scan
Walt Whitman, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1419–1420The old man prays and seeks communion with God.read · scan
George Meredith, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1145The speaker wishes to be alone with heaven and speak his heart out, since heaven is his need.read · scan
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