overwhelming that
the mind is oblivious of all else.[212]

Some, however, argue that prayer must of necessity be attentive, thus:

1. It is said in S. John's Gospel[213]: _God is a spirit, and they that
adore Him must adore Him in spirit and truth_. But inattentive prayer is
not _in spirit_.

But he prays _in spirit and in truth_ who comes to pray moved by
the impulse of the Spirit, even though, owing to human
infirmity, his mind afterwards wanders.

2. But again, prayer is "the ascent of the mind towards God." But when
prayer is inattentive the mind does not ascend towards God.

But the human mind cannot, owing to Nature's weakness, long
remain on high, for the soul is dragged down to lower things by
the weight of human infirmity; and hence it happens that when
the mind of one who prays ascends towards God in contemplation
it suddenly wanders away from Him owing to his infirmity.

3. Lastly, prayer must needs be without sin. But not without sin does a
man suffer distraction of mind when he prays, for he seems to mock God,
just as if one were to speak with his fellow-man and not attend to what
he said. Consequently S. Basil says[214]: "The Divine assistance is to
be implored, not remissly, nor with a mind that wanders here and there;
for such a one not only will not obtain what he asks, but will rather be
mocking God."

Of course, if a man purposely allowed his mind to wander in
prayer, he would commit a sin and hinder the fruit of his
prayer. Against such S. Augustine says in his _Rule_[215]: "When
you pray to God in Psalms and hymns, entertain your heart with
what your lips are reciting." But that distraction of mind which
is unintentional does not destroy the fruit of prayer.

Hence S. Basil also says: "But if through the weakness of sinful
nature you cannot pray with attention, restrain your imagination
as far as you can, and God will pardon you, inasmuch as it is
not from negligence but from weakness that you are unable to
occupy yourself with Him as you should."

* * * * *

_Cajetan:_ Does a man satisfy the precept of the Church if, being bound
to the recitation of the Divine Office, he sets out with the intention
of meditating upon the Divine Goodness or upon the Passion of Christ,
and thus keeping his mind firmly fixed upon God? Clearly a man who
strives to keep his mind occupied during the whol