Is praying for increased faith a paradox?

[Tigre]

Several scripture passages indicate that Jesus granted petitions when the petitioner believed He could grant the request, or that the petitioner’s faith was the reason for the grant. For example, Bartimaeus. And, in some instances, He couldn’t (or didn’t) perform healings or other miracles because the people didn’t believe.

In praying for faith itself, or in increase of faith, are we in a paradoxical situation where we must first believe (have faith) that He can grant a petition for such a thing? In other words, do we have to have it as a prerequisite for asking for it?

Or, do we already have faith as a theological virtue as a result of the sacraments of initiation such that praying for faith, or more faith, is unnecessary as a practical matter?

Any insights?

 

[Bridgit_Andrews]

What about those who have not gone through or who don’t believe in the sacraments of initiation?

I don’t think one can believe in God without some sort of initial faith in place. Asking for an abundance of faith is different than asking for initial faith. Those without initial faith to believe in God couldn’t ask for anything, much less an abundance of faith.

Not so much a paradox as a Catch-22.

Peace,
B

 

[RomanoAmerio]

Several scripture passages indicate that Jesus granted petitions when the petitioner believed He could grant the request, or that the petitioner’s faith was the reason for the grant. For example, Bartimaeus. And, in some instances, He couldn’t (or didn’t) perform healings or other miracles because the people didn’t believe.

In praying for faith itself, or in increase of faith, are we in a paradoxical situation where we must first believe (have faith) that He can grant a petition for such a thing? In other words, do we have to have it as a prerequisite for asking for it?

Or, do we already have faith as a theological virtue as a result of the sacraments of initiation such that praying for faith, or more faith, is unnecessary as a practical matter?

Any insights?

I think any paradox here is apparent rather than real.

We have the beautiful prayer of a possessed boy’s father in the Gospel of Saint Mark: “Lord, I believe: help my unbelief!” - a prayer that I often make my own.

The Apostles also asked their Lord: “Increase our faith.”

Faith is a theological virtue, not a binary on/off switch. It behooves all of us, even the greatest of Saints, to pray for the graces that we may grow in virtue, including faith.