Maximus Valerius tells of Socrates[129] that he "maintained that nothing further should be asked of the immortal gods save that they should give us good things; and this on the ground that they knew well what was best for each individual, whereas we often ask in our prayers for things which it would be better not to have asked for." And this opinion has some truth in it as regards those things which can turn out ill, or which a man can use well or ill, as, for example, riches which, as the same Socrates says, "have been to the destruction of many; or honours which have ruined many; or the possession of kingdoms, the issues of which are so often ill-fated; or splendid matrimonial alliances, which have sometimes proved the ruin of families." But there are certain good things of which a man cannot make a bad use--those, namely, which cannot have a bad issue. And these are the things by which we are rendered blessed and by which we merit beatitude; these are the things for which the Saints pray unconditionally: _Show us Thy Face and we shall be saved_;[130] and again: _Lead me along the path of Thy commandments_.[131] Some, however, say that we ought not in our prayers to ask for definite things from God, thus: 1. S. John Damascene defines prayer as "asking from God things that are fitting";[132] consequently prayer for things which are not expedient is of no efficacy, as S. James says: _You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss_.[133] Moreover, S. Paul says: _We know not what we should pray for as we ought_.[134] But it is also true that though a man cannot of himself know what he ought to pray for, yet, as the Apostle says in the same place: _In this the Spirit helpeth our infirmity_--namely, in that, by inspiring us with holy desires, He makes us ask aright. Hence Our Lord says that the true adorers _must adore in spirit and in truth_.[135] 2. Further, he who asks from another some definite thing strives to bend that other's will to do what the petitioner wants. But we ought not to direct our prayers towards making God will what we will, but rather we should will what He wills--as the Gloss says on the words of Ps. xxxii. 1: _Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just!_ It would seem, therefore, that we ought not to ask for definite things from God when we pray. Yet when in our prayers we ask for things which appertain to our salvation, we are conforming our will to the will of God, for of His will it is said: _He will have all men to be saved_.[136] 3. Lastly, evil things cannot be asked from God; and He Himself invites us to receive good things. But it is idle for a person to ask for what he is invited to receive. God, it is true, invites us to receive good things; but He wishes us to come to them--not, indeed, by the footsteps of the body--but by pious desires and devout prayers. * * * * *