I ask You neither for health nor for sickness, for life nor for death; but that You may dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for Your glory… You alone know what is expedient for me; You are the sovereign master, do with me according to Your will. Give to me, or take away from me, only conform my will to Yours. I know but one thing, Lord, that it is good to follow You, and bad to offend You. Apart from that, I know not what is good or bad in anything. I know not which is most profitable to me, health or sickness, wealth or poverty, nor anything else in the world. That discernment is beyond the power of men or angels, and is hidden among the secrets of Your providence, which I adore, but so not seek to fathom.
— Blaise Pascal (1623–1662), Philosoph
Topics: Prayer & Silence, Guidance & God's Will, Faith & Trust
Occasions: For Reflection
Blaise Pascal
Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) war ein französischer Mathematiker, Physiker und Philosoph, der vor allem in Paris und Rouen wirkte. Nach einer tiefen religiösen Erfahrung schloss er sich der jansenistischen Reformbewegung von Port-Royal an und verfasste mit den „Pensées“ sowie den kirchenpolitisch umstrittenen „Lettres provinciales“ einflussreiche apologetische Schriften. Für Bibelleser thematisieren seine Überlegungen die Begrenztheit rein rationaler Gotteserkenntnis und stellen die existenzielle Bedürftigkeit des Menschen nach göttlicher Gnade heraus.
All quotes by Blaise Pascal (135)
When we pray, the circumstances often remain the same, but we become different.
Oswald Chambers
Prayer does not change God, but the one who prays.
Søren Kierkegaard
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Corrie ten Boom
To pray is to draw breath from God.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
Prayers are tools not for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.
Eugene Peterson