Meaning:
The quote "Prayer is co-operation with God. It is the purest exercise of the faculties God has given us - an exercise that links these faculties with the Maker to work out the intentions He had in mind in their creation" by E. Jones, a theologian, encapsulates the essence of prayer as understood in the Christian tradition. This quote emphasizes the idea that prayer is not just a one-way communication with God, but rather a collaborative effort between humanity and the divine.
The concept of prayer as cooperation with God is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of the relationship between humans and the divine. In this view, prayer is not merely a petition or a supplication directed towards a distant and impersonal deity; rather, it is an active and participatory engagement with the divine presence. By engaging in prayer, individuals are invited to join forces with God, aligning their intentions and actions with the divine will.
Furthermore, the quote highlights the idea that prayer is the purest exercise of the faculties that God has bestowed upon humanity. This understanding underscores the significance of prayer as a fundamental and inherent aspect of human nature. According to this perspective, prayer is not a foreign or artificial activity imposed upon individuals, but rather a natural outflow of the faculties and abilities with which humans have been endowed.
The notion that prayer links our faculties with the Maker reflects the belief that through prayer, individuals establish a direct connection with the divine. It suggests that prayer serves as a means of communion and alignment with God, enabling individuals to attune themselves to the intentions and purposes that are inherent in their creation. In this sense, prayer becomes a transformative and unifying practice that bridges the gap between the human and the divine, allowing for a harmonious collaboration to unfold.
Moreover, the quote implies that through prayer, individuals are engaged in the process of working out the intentions that God had in mind in their creation. This notion emphasizes the idea that prayer is not only a means of communication with God, but also a vehicle for actualizing the divine purposes within the human experience. It suggests that through prayer, individuals can actively participate in the fulfillment of God's intentions for their lives and for the world at large.
In conclusion, the quote by E. Jones encapsulates the profound understanding of prayer as cooperation with God within the Christian tradition. It underscores the active and participatory nature of prayer, highlighting its role as a collaborative endeavor between humanity and the divine. This perspective emphasizes the transformative and unifying power of prayer, portraying it as a means through which individuals can align themselves with the divine will and work towards the fulfillment of God's intentions.