ACC ~ Mark 14 v38a

PRAYER TO NOT BE ENCOMPASSED BY TEMPTATION

ORIGEN: We do not pray that we will never be tempted at all. For that is impossible. [1] We pray rather that we not be encompassed by temptation. [2] ON PRAYER 29.11. [3]

[1] To be forever untempted is to never test the strength of freedom. Even Christ faced temptation. Cf. Sir 2:1.

[2] Cf. Lk 22:40; 1 Cor 10:13.

[3] TLG 2042.008, 29.11.1-2; cf. CWS 156.

PRAYER TO NOT ENTER VOLUNTARILY INTO THE ARENA OF TEMPTATION

DIONYSIUS OF ALEXANDRIA: This is the first form of not falling into temptation, when he counsels the weak to pray not to enter into temptation. The temptation to come, for offenses must come, will require that they pray that they enter not into temptation. But the more perfect way of not entering into temptation is what he asks for the second time: “not as I will but as thou.” [1] For God cannot be tempted, but wills to give above what we ask or think. [2] FRAGMENTS. [3]

[1] Mt 26:37; Mk 14:36; Lk 22:42.

[2] Cf. Eph 3:20.

[3] PG 10:1597; C. L. Feltoe, ed., St. Dionysius of Alexandria (London: SPCK, 1918), p. 232; cf. AEG 5:326*.

CAN WE DO BY OURSELVES WHAT WE PRAY FOR?

AUGUSTINE: The Lord has commanded us to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation. Obviously, if we could endow ourselves with this gift merely by willing it, we would not be asking it in prayer. If the will itself sufficed to protect us from temptation, we would not have to pray for it. But if we were not given a will at all, we would be unable to pray. Grant, then, that we may will it freely, praying that we may be made able by grace to do what we have willed, when by mercy we have attained to wise discernment. LETTER 218, TO PALATINUS. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0262, 218.57.3.427.1; FC 32:98**.

WE ASK NOT FOR WHAT WE ALREADY BY NATURE POSSESS

AUGUSTINE: For, if these things are placed in our power through the capability of nature and the freedom of the will, [1] anyone can see that it would be useless to ask them of the Lord, and even deceitful to pray, if we ask in prayer for what our nature so constituted already possesses by our own strength. Then, the Lord Jesus would not have said: “Watch and pray,” [2] but only “Watch, lest you enter into temptation.” He would not have said to the blessed chief of the apostles: “I have prayed for you,” but simply: “I warn you, or command you, or enjoin you that your faith should not fail.” [3] LETTER 175, TO POPE INNOCENT. [4]

[1] Augustine’s issue: Would it be deceitful to pray for what our nature already possesses by our own strength?

[2] Mt 26:41; Mk 14:38.

[3] Lk 22:32.

[4] Cetedoc 0262, 175.44.4.659.3; FC 30:88-89**.