Archiv der Kategorie: Prayers & Sermons

The Interior Castle

The Interior Castle – St. Teresa Avila

The saint wrote this luminous exposition of infused prayer in all its gradations and qualities, while she was suffering from a furious persecution. And yet it breathes that heavenly calmness peculiar to spirits dwelling in the loftier regions of heavenly peace. Like all of her writings she composed this one under a very stringent obedience from her confessor, at that time Canon Velasquez, afterwards Archbishop of Compostella. It is curiously allegorical in its framework; and yet the high topics are very plainly treated of, and they are made as intelligible to ordinary readers as is possible; all the more so, in fact, on account of the comparison she adopts between the stages of … Read more.../Mehr lesen ...

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Of Prayer

Of Prayer – John Calvin

John Calvin begins this classic treatise on prayer by giving us a definition of prayer, emphasizing its necessity and use. He addresses the objections that some people have when it comes to prayer, such as, that prayer seems useless, because God already knows our wants. He then outlines four rules to be observed in prayer: reverence to God, a sense of our want, the suppression of all pride, and a sure confidence of being heard. He gives a good overview of different kinds of prayers: vows, supplications, petitions, thanksgivings. After he gives some guidance for the use of prayer in public worship, he gives a wonderful exposition of the Lord’s Prayer. While certain of Calvin’s Read more.../Mehr lesen ...

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The Gospel of Joy

The Gospel of Joy – Stopford A. Brooke

“The Gospel of Joy” indicates by its title the prevailing temper of the sermons the volume contains. Mr. Stopford A. Brooke has, in unusual degree, the essential characteristic of a good preacher — unwavering belief. When this is united, as in his case, to a liberal creed and to insight and taste, it preeminently fits the preacher for persuasive discourse
He descends to the sluggish or distrustful listener from an altitude of invincible faith. One might offer this criticism—that the author more frequently awakens spiritual emotion and brings it to life, than so interprets life as to make it the direct occasion and support of spiritual emotion. We need, as far as
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Veröffentlicht unter Prayers & Sermons, The Sacred Books (English) | Schreib einen Kommentar