It's a fine day for a prayer. But then, most days are.'' That's what you were doing? Praying?' At his nod, I asked, 'For what do you petition the gods?' He raised his brows. 'Petition?''Isn't that what prayer is? Begging the gods to give you what you want?' He laughed, his voice deep as a booming wind, but kinder. 'I suppose that is how some men pray. Not I. Not anymore.'' What do you mean?'' Oh, I think that children pray so, to find a lost doll or that Father will bring home a good haul of fish, or that no one will discover a forgotten chore. Children think they know what is best for themselves, and do not fear to ask the divine for it. But I have been a man for many years, and I should be shamed if I did not know better by now.' I eased my back into a more comfortable position against the railing. I suppose if you are used to the swaying of a ship, it might be restful. My muscles constantly fought against it, and I was beginning to ache in every limb. 'So. How does a man pray, then?' He looked on me with amusement, then levered himself down to sit beside me. 'Don't you know? How do you pray, then?'' I don't.' And then I rethought, and laughed aloud. 'Unless I'm terrified. Then I suppose I pray as a child does. 'Get me out of this, and I'll never be so stupid again. Just let me live.' He laughed with me. 'Well, it looks as if, so far, your prayers have been granted. And have you kept your promise to the divine?' I shook my head, smiling ruefully. 'I'm afraid not. I just find a new direction to be foolish in.'' Exactly. So do we all. Hence, I've learned I am not wise enough to ask the divine for anything.'' So. How do you pray then, if you are not asking for something?'' Ah. Well, prayer for me is more listening than asking. And, after all these years, I find I have but one prayer left. It has taken me a lifetime to find my prayer, and I think it is the same one that all men find, if they but ponder on it longer enough. Robin Hobb
Some Similar Quotes
  1. If I am right, Thy grace impart Still in the right to stay; If I am wrong, O, teach my heart To find that better way! - Alexander Pope
  2. Writing is prayer. - Franz Kafka
  3. I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer. - Martin Luther
  4. I don't pray because it doesn't work. Prayer doesn't fix anything. Bad things happen anyway. - Nicholas Sparks
  5. Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen. - Thomas Aquinas
More Quotes By Robin Hobb
  1. Everyone thinks that courage is about facing death without flinching. But almost anyone can do that. Almost anyone can hold their breath and not scream for as long as it takes to die. True courage is about facing life without flinching. <span style="margin:15px; display:block"></span>I don't...
  2. That is the challenge Companion. To take what has happened to you and learn from it. Nothing is quite so destructive as pity, especially self-pity. No event in life is so terrible that one cannot rise above it.
  3. The second thing you have to do to be a writer is to keep on writing. Don't listen to people who tell you that very few people get published and you won't be one of them. Don't listen to your friend who says you are...
  4. When you cut pieces out of the truth to avoid looking like a fool you end up looking like a moron instead.
  5. That no man can truly imagine being happy and that's why happiness isn't for sale here.
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