Will is Not Sufficient

Augustin Poulain, S.J.

“We cannot bring about the mystic union in ourselves when God does not give it; anyone can prove to himself that to 'will' it is not sufficient… We plunge ourselves in God only in the precise measure in which God wills it.… With the aid of grace it is always within the power of my will to think of God, which is ordinary prayer. But it is clear that if I wish really to enter into deep communication with God, this will is no longer sufficient. An obstacle must be removed; and the Divine Hand alone is powerful to accomplish this.”

Graces of Interior Prayer, pages 115-116