What prayer does not dare to ask?

[hazcompat]

This prayer is said during the LOTH, and was the opening prayer at mass this morning. I understand what conscience dreads. What are we asking to be given that prayer does not dare to ask?

Almighty ever-living God,
who in the abundance of your kindness
surpass the merits and the desires
of those who entreat you,
pour out your mercy upon us
to pardon what conscience dreads
and to give what prayer does not dare to ask.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.

peace

 

[Sirach2]

Off the top of my head, I thought about the words of the prodigal son, who said, "I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ Lk. 15:19 He could not ask for restoration, yet in the mercy of his father, it was granted to him above and beyond his imaginings.

 

[Trishie]

What God desires to give us yet we hardly know to ask of Him.
We make requests of infinite God of all creation…what do we know of what God is capable of wanting to give each of us, beyond even our ability to discern…therefore I find the prayer very moving.
Amen to the prayer that we know not to ask and dare not to ask.

 

[louisak]

Check out Father Z’s blog, it is titled “What Does the Prayer Really Say?” The web address is wdtprs.com/blog/. He writes about a number of topics, but the focus of his blog is analyzing the Latin text of the Mass prayers for Sundays and holy days. He usually compares the Latin with both the old and new Mass translations, as well as his own literal translation. He often pulls in interesting tidbits from the writings of the saints in order to illuminate the meaning of the prayers. He does not stop, however, with discussing the details of the meaning of the prayers, but goes on to put it in the context of our spiritual lives and the importance of always trying to grow in faith.

He may have already presented an analysis of this prayer. If not, he would probably be happy to do so if you ask. Just send an e-mail, you can find his address on the blog.