Chapter 56
The Sacred and the Profane in Prayer
OF PRAYERS I propose formless and undetermined fancies, like those who publish doubtful questions, to be after a disputed upon in the schools, not to establish truth but to seek it; and I submit them to the judgments of those whose office it is to regulate, not my writings and actions only, but moreover my very thoughts. Let what I here set down meet with correction or applause, it shall be of equal welcome and utility to me, myself beforehand condemning as absurd and impious, if anything shall be found, through ignorance or inadvertency, couched in this rhapsody, contrary to…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"word by word, from the mouth of God Himself, I have ever been of opinion that we ought to have it in more frequent use than we yet have; and if I were worthy to advise, at the sitting down to and rising from our tables, at our rising from and going to bed, and in every particular action wherein prayer is used, I would that Christians always make use of the Lord’s Prayer, if not alone, yet at least always."
Context: Lord's Prayer given
Prayer prescribed.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says a form of prayer was prescribed word by word from the mouth of God Himself, and he has ever thought Christians should use the Lord's Prayer more frequently. The model already exists. Before you improvise a noble-sounding prayer, ask why you are avoiding the one you already trust.
"Christians always make use of the Lord’s Prayer, if not alone, yet at least always"
Context: Daily use urged
Habit over novelty.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne would have Christians always make use of the Lord's Prayer, if not alone then at least always, at table, rising, and bedtime. Repetition is not emptiness here. When you need steadiness more than novelty, return to the familiar words you already know by heart.
"Si, nocturnus adulter, Tempora Santonico velas adoperta cucullo"
Context: Hypocrite at prayer
Life belies piety.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne quotes Juvenal on the night adulterer who covers his head with a Santonic cowl when he ought to be ashamed to pray. The hood does not reset the day. If your private conduct would embarrass the prayer, fix the conduct before you speak the words.
"gods severely punished the wicked prayers of OEdipus in granting them: he had prayed that his children might amongst themselves determine the succession to his throne by arms, and was so miserable as to see himself taken at his word."
Context: Prayer granted badly
Asked and regretted.
In Today's Words:
Montaigne says the gods severely punished the wicked prayers of Oedipus when he asked that his children settle succession by arms and he was taken at his word. Some requests succeed ruinously. Before you ask for victory, ask whether you could live inside the answer you are demanding.
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
Montaigne exposes how we construct false identities through religious performance while our true character remains unchanged
Development
Builds on earlier themes of self-deception, now focusing specifically on spiritual identity versus lived reality
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when you realize your public values don't match your private choices
Class
In This Chapter
Shows how social class affects religious practice—the wealthy using charity as social performance while exploiting workers
Development
Continues Montaigne's examination of how class shapes moral behavior and social expectations
In Your Life:
You might see this in how differently people practice their stated values based on their social position
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Reveals how religious conformity becomes social theater, performed for others rather than genuine spiritual practice
Development
Deepens the theme of performing for social acceptance rather than living authentically
In Your Life:
You might notice this when you find yourself going through motions to meet others' expectations rather than your own beliefs
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Argues that real spiritual development requires inner transformation, not just external compliance with religious forms
Development
Advances Montaigne's belief that growth comes from honest self-examination rather than following prescribed formulas
In Your Life:
You might apply this by focusing on actual behavior change rather than just good intentions or public commitments
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Shows how compartmentalized spirituality damages relationships—praying for enemies while plotting against friends
Development
Extends earlier observations about authenticity in relationships to include spiritual hypocrisy
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when you notice treating people differently based on social context rather than consistent values
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
What does Montaigne mean when he says we give 'one hour to God, the rest to the devil, as if by composition and compensation'?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
He's describing how people compartmentalize their lives, performing religious rituals while continuing to live wickedly, as if prayer can balance out their sins through some kind of spiritual accounting.
- 2
Why does Montaigne think treating scripture like casual entertainment in kitchens and halls undermines genuine faith?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
When sacred texts become background noise or light reading, we lose the reverence and preparation needed for real spiritual engagement. Familiarity breeds contempt rather than understanding.
- 3
Where do you see Montaigne's 'one hour to God, the rest to the devil' pattern in how people approach values today?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Social media virtue signaling while living selfishly, or companies promoting environmental values in ads while polluting. We perform our ideals publicly but don't let them change our actual behavior.
- 4
How would you apply Montaigne's idea about preparing your soul before prayer to preparing for any important conversation?
application • deepOne way to read it
Before difficult conversations with family or colleagues, examine your own motives and anger first. Like Montaigne's clean hands, approach others with genuine intent to understand rather than just win or manipulate.
- 5
What does Montaigne's essay reveal about why humans separate their stated beliefs from their daily actions?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
We want the comfort and social benefits of our ideals without the hard work of actually living them. It's easier to perform virtue than to become virtuous, but this gap ultimately makes both meaningless.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Audit Your Sacred Performance
List three values you claim to hold deeply (honesty, kindness, justice, etc.). For each value, write down one specific action you took this week that supported it, and one that contradicted it. Look for patterns where your words and actions don't align—these gaps reveal where you might be performing virtue instead of practicing it.
Consider:
- •Be honest about small contradictions, not just big ones—they reveal the same pattern
- •Notice if you justify contradictory behavior with special circumstances or exceptions
- •Consider whether your rituals or public statements about values are covering for private failures
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you caught yourself using the language of your values to justify behavior that actually violated them. What was really driving that choice, and how might you handle it differently now?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 57: The Reality of Life's Brevity
After prayer and hypocrisy, Montaigne measures life's length. Young Cato at forty-eight will ask who dares say he leaves the world too soon when few men reach even that age.
