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HOUGHTS unspoken are not unknown to the divine Mind. Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in word and deed.

What are the motives of prayer? Do we pray to make ourselves better, or to benefit those who hear us, — to

enlighten the ignorance of the Infinite, or to be heard of men? Are we benefited by praying? The desire which goes forth hungering after righteousness is blessed of our Father, and does not return unto us void.

God is not moved by the breath of praise to do more than He has already done; nor can the Infinite do less

than bestow all good, since He is unchanging Wisdom and Love. We can perhaps do more for ourselves by petitions; but the All-perfect does not grant them simply on the ground of lip-service, for He already knows all.