A Short and Easy Method of PrayerA Short and Easy Method of Prayer was originally circulated privately but proved to be so popular that it was finally made available to the public in 1685. Written by French mystic, writer, and preacher MADAME JEANNE-MARIE BOUVIER DE LA MOTTE-GUYON (1648-1717), this brief treatise is divided into 24 chapters, each chapter a step along the path to God. These clear and simple precepts-translated from the French by Thomas D. Brook and published in English in this edition in 1867-were written with the average person in mind, and include Madame Guyon's thoughts on meditation, self-abandonment, suffering, self-examination, distractions and temptations, prayer as a sacrifice, the distinction between inward and outward acts, and more. Madame Guyon's words of encouragement will inspire the modern reader much as they inspired her 17th-century counterpart. |
From inside the book
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Page 9
... truth of their path , and found ample instructions how to progress therein . None who were advo- cates for genuine ... truths are taken for granted ; namely , the fall of man and the redemption through the incarnation , obedience ...
... truth of their path , and found ample instructions how to progress therein . None who were advo- cates for genuine ... truths are taken for granted ; namely , the fall of man and the redemption through the incarnation , obedience ...
Page 13
... truth and candour to declare , from our own experience , the happy effects produced by thus simply " following after the Lord . " As this treatise was intended only to instruct in prayer , there are many things which we respect and ...
... truth and candour to declare , from our own experience , the happy effects produced by thus simply " following after the Lord . " As this treatise was intended only to instruct in prayer , there are many things which we respect and ...
Page 19
... truth you have chosen , read only a small portion of it , endeavouring to taste and digest it - to extract the ... truths : indeed , to receive real profit from spiritual books , we must read as I have described ; and I am certain , if ...
... truth you have chosen , read only a small portion of it , endeavouring to taste and digest it - to extract the ... truths : indeed , to receive real profit from spiritual books , we must read as I have described ; and I am certain , if ...
Page 20
... truth wherein there is sub- stance and food : pause gently and patiently thereon , not to employ the reason , but merely to calm and fix the mind : for you must observe , that your particular exercise should ever be the presence of God ...
... truth wherein there is sub- stance and food : pause gently and patiently thereon , not to employ the reason , but merely to calm and fix the mind : for you must observe , that your particular exercise should ever be the presence of God ...
Page 21
... truth to truth , and for subject to subject : the right way to penetrate every divine truth , to enjoy its full relish , and to imprint it on the heart , is dwelling on it while its savour con- tinues . Though recollection is difficult ...
... truth to truth , and for subject to subject : the right way to penetrate every divine truth , to enjoy its full relish , and to imprint it on the heart , is dwelling on it while its savour con- tinues . Though recollection is difficult ...
Contents
9 | |
11 | |
Chapter XIX | 61 |
Chapter XX | 63 |
Chapter XXI | 67 |
Chapter XXII | 75 |
Chapter XXIII | 81 |
Chapter XXIV | 85 |
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Common terms and phrases
aban abandon acteth action activity affections attain attraction beatitude become beginning beloved bestows blessed blessedness cease central tendency centre children of God COSIMO creature cross degree of prayer delights desire Divine grace Divine Presence Divine Union doth draw dwell endeavouring evil exer exercise exertion facility Father feel fire forsake freely give giveth gold grace gradually hath heart holy Holy Spirit impure infinitely internal Jesus Christ John kingdom labour lively faith Luke manner Matt meditation moved nature nearer operations ourselves outward passions passive Paul peace perfect powers pray presence of God proportion Prov pure purity quires reading recollection reiterated acts repose resignation saith Sanctification seek selfhood senses Shepherd silence simple simplicity sloth soul species of prayer Spirit suffer sweet sweetly thee therein things thou tion truly truth turn unto God vessel viii wandering wholly wisdom withdraw Word xvii
Popular passages
Page 41 - Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Page 62 - I have set the LORD always before me : Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth : My flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell ; Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life : In thy presence is fulness of joy ; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Page 33 - All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Page 60 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: "I will guide thee with mine eye.
Page 41 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Page 69 - The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.