Page:Catechismoftrent.djvu/346

 that is not filled by his divinity and power, which are every- where present. In the consideration of this subject, the faithful will, however, propose to themselves not only the image of the universal Father of mankind, but also that of God reigning in heaven, in order that, when approaching him in prayer, they may recollect that heart and soul are to be raised to heaven. The transcendant nature and divine majesty of our Father who is in heaven, should inspire us with as much Christian humility and piety, as the name of father should fill us with love and confidence.

These words also inform us what are to be the objects of our prayers. All our supplications offered for the useful and necessary things of this life, unless united to the bliss of heaven, and referred to that end, are to no purpose, and are unworthy Note. of a Christian. Of this manner of praying, the pastor, there fore, will admonish his pious hearers, and will strengthen the admonition with the authority of the Apostle: " If," says he, " you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth."

WHAT should be the objects and the order of our prayers, we learn from the Lord and Master of all; for as prayer is the envoy and interpreter of our wishes and desires, we then pray as we ought, when the order of our prayers corresponds with that of their objects. True charity admonishes us to consecrate stituting in himself alone the supreme good, he justly commands our particular and especial love; and this love we cannot cherish towards him, unless we prefer his honour and glory to all created things. Whatever good we or others enjoy, what ever, in a word, man can name, must yield to him, because emanating from him, who is the supreme good. In order, therefore, that our prayers may proceed in due order, our divine Redeemer has placed this petition, which regards our chief good, at the head of the others; thus teaching us that, before we pray for any thing for our neighbour or ourselves, we should pray for those things which appertain to the glory of God, and make known to him our wishes and desires for their accomplishment. Thus shall we remain in charity, which teaches us to love God more than ourselves, and to make those things which we desire for sake of God the first, and what we desire for ourselves the next object of our prayers.