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Adoration-- continued About 15 years ago a college friend turned me onto some old writings (late 1600's)by Madame Jean Guyon. The writings (she didn't consider it a book) were originally called, "Short and Very Easy Method of Prayer; Which all can practice with the greatest facility, and arrive in a short time, by its means, at a high degree of perfection." It is now published under the title, "Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ." As I re-read this text I am reminded of how thirst-quenching her words were to me at a critical point of responding to God's calling on my life. As I re-read it, the Spirit is teaching me more of what adoration means. A couple of scraps:
". . . I would like to talk with you just a moment about the motive of your heart in your seeking the Lord. After all, why do you come to the Lord? Do you come to him for the sweetness? Do you come to him because it is enjoyable to be in the Lord's presence? Let me recommend a higher way. As you come to the Lord to pray, bring a full heart of pure love, a love that is not seeking anything for itself. Bring a heart that is seeking nothing from the Lord, but desires only to please Him and to do His will." (pp.23-24) <
"Dear child of God, all your concepts of what God is like really amount to nothing. Do not try to imagine what God is like. Instead, simply believe in His presence. Never try to imagine what God will do. There is no way God will ever fit into your concepts. What then shall yo do? Seek to behold Jesus Christ by looking to Him in your inmost being, in your spirit." (p.18)
Easier said than done Madame Guyon--- but thanks for the guidance. posted by John David Walt | at 1/22/2005 10:25:00 AM
Today...
2 Comments:
Oddly enough Madame Guyon's writing are considered by the Roman Church to be reprobate. However, her new kind of mysticism is widely read among protestants. Paramount in her ideology was what you have so keenly driven out here, a kind of abadonment of the will to God. In fact her desire for the spiritual life was to desire nothing but God. Oddly enough, Wesley talked about this desire for nothing but God in his writings upon entire sanctification. Isn't it iteresting that the great Christian Fathers and Mothers of the church all desire for the church to look in the same direction. Complete and utter abandonment to God?
Perhaps this relates to the concepts of "ABIDE". That those who abide remain fearlessly and recklessly open to God. Maybe that is what Adoration is... throwing your arms back, face uplifted and being completely open to God.
very nice michael-- thanks. abandonment. i have enjoyed oswald chambers biography by david mccasland-- entitled "abandoned to God." you make a great observation about Wesley and this idea-- that's what the Covenant Prayer is all about isn't it.
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