Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Prayer..........July 2



"Do not turn to prayer hoping to enjoy spiritual delights;
rather come to prayer totally content to receive nothing
or to receive great blessings from God's hand,
whichever should be your heavenly Father's will
for you at that time."

Madame Jeanne Guyon




The German words at the bottom of the card are from
verse 10 of Psalm 143 (numbered 142 in older Catholic bibles).
They mean:"Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God."

7 comments:

Prayerflowers said...

Sweet Micki,
What a beautiful way to start the day...on your needs before our Sweet Jesus.
God bless you precious,
Love,
Prayerflowers

Anonymous said...

Friends,

The German words at the bottom of the card are from verse 10 of Psalm 143 (numbered 142 in older Catholic bibles). They mean:

"Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God."


Micki,

I think that there is nothing improper about the specific quotation that you posted, but I want to caution everyone that Jeanne Guyon was temporarily a member of a spiritual movement called "Quietism," which was condemned as a heresy by Pope Innocent XII in 1687. She later repented, but her (French) works had already spread to England, were translated and adopted by some protestants, and are apparently still available. Thus, I would recommend that no one go in search of those writings now.

John

Micki said...

John -
Thank you for the translations and for the heads up about the author of the quote I used today.
I found it fascinating that the words on the card remind us that we should pray to do the will of God.
The quote reminds us similarly that just because we pray doesn't mean everything will be rosy. Too many feel that the results of being "good, holy, prayerful etc." means ease of life....so not true.
His will is definitely our goal.
You always make us aware of some interesting thoughts. Thank you. I do think what you advise is excellent advice.

irene said...

What a remarkably preserved card! It looks like it is brand new!

Anonymous said...

Thank you to John for translating the Scripture. This short string of words from a sincere mind and heart can overcome chaos of any kind or evil in any form, within us and maybe without. Gotta let go of the issue though, in confidence, and gotta listen! Teach us to do Thy Will, for Thou art our God. Amen. AspiringFOOL(FriendOfOurLord)

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Micki and Aspiring FoOL.
Micki, I agree with what you said about prayer. We have to be faithful to it without expecting "consolations" (good feelings/emotions) -- and even if we experience great "dryness/aridity" for prolonged periods (even for the rest of our lives).

John

Micki said...

Irene - Thankfully those before us preserved these little works of art inside books, unfortunately I'm betting they were not opened too often...let's hope not anyway.

FOOL - And we are ever the students waiting to be taught! Thanks.

John - And I do think that many a saint felt exactly like what you said....remaining faithful.