John Selden: 'Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us.'

Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us.

John Selden, a renowned English jurist and scholar, once said, "Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us." This profound quote encapsulates the essence of prayer, shedding light on its true purpose and significance. Selden suggests that our prayers should not be burdensome with extensive explanations and justifications, but rather concise and straightforward, allowing us to place our trust in God's wisdom and divine understanding.In a world driven by reason and logic, Selden's perspective on prayer may seem counterintuitive to some. After all, we live in a society that emphasizes the importance of explaining our desires and justifying our actions. However, Selden's quote challenges us to consider a different approach, one rooted in humility, surrender, and trust. It reminds us that when we approach prayer, we are engaging in a sacred conversation with the divine - a dialogue that requires faith and an acknowledgement of our limited understanding.By urging us to keep our prayers short, Selden encourages us to abandon the notion that we can sway God's decision by presenting Him with a well-constructed argument. Instead, he reminds us to humbly acknowledge that God knows what is best for us, even when we may be unaware of it ourselves. This perspective fosters a sense of surrender and dependency on a higher power, guiding us to shift our focus from self-centered desires to a broader understanding of what truly aligns with our spiritual growth and well-being.However, as we explore the concept of relinquishing our reasons and justifications in prayer, we encounter an unexpected philosophical concept: the paradox of free will and destiny. The question arises: If God already knows what is best for us, do we have any agency in shaping our own lives? Are our actions predetermined, or do we have the power to influence our destinies?To address this philosophical conundrum, we must delve deeper into the nature of prayer itself. While prayer is an avenue for us to connect with the divine and seek guidance, it does not undermine the notion of free will. Instead, it can be seen as a pathway that helps us align our desires and actions with a broader sense of purpose.In this light, Selden's quote offers a beautiful balance between our own autonomous will and God's infinite wisdom. Short prayers, devoid of extensive reasoning, allow us to surrender our ego-driven desires and align ourselves with the divine plan. By recognizing that we cannot comprehend the entirety of the grand tapestry of life, we open ourselves up to the possibilities that exist beyond our limited understanding.It is important to note that short prayers do not imply a lack of sincere communication with the divine. Rather, they represent a deep sense of trust and humility, acknowledging that God's infinite wisdom surpasses our limited perspective. Through brief and heartfelt prayers, we give ourselves the opportunity to tap into a higher consciousness, allowing divine guidance to flow through us and shape our lives in ways we could never envision.So, while the quote by Selden suggests keeping our prayers short and devoid of reasoning, it invites us to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Embracing the paradox of surrender and free will, we learn to trust in God's omniscience while also realizing our own agency in shaping our lives. In doing so, we embark on a path that leads to a deeper connection with the divine, enlightening our souls and guiding us towards a life of purpose, fulfillment, and alignment with our true potential.