Knowing From Within
Nov 19th, 2007 by Brian Robertson
Yesterday I mentioned the free ebooks on the site and, in particular, The Imitation of Christ as one that stood out for me at the moment. I thought I’d share a prayer from The Imitation of Christ which addresses knowing the Bible vs. knowing God, knowing the outside world vs. knowing the inner. I hope it is of comfort and inspiration.
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. I am your servant; give me understanding that I may know your ways. Incline my heart to your words, and let your speech come upon me as dew upon the grass. In days gone by the children of Israel said to Moses, “Speak to us and we shall listen; do not let the Lord speak to us, lest we die” This is not how I pray, Lord. No. With the great prophet Samuel, I humbly and earnestly beg: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Do not let Moses or any other prophets speak to me. You speak to me. O Lord God, you who inspire and enlighten all the prophets, for you alone, without them, can perfectly instruct me, while they cannot convey the spirit of those words. They say beautiful things, but with you silent, they do not set my heart on fire. They convey the letter, but you reveal the meaning. They pronounce the mysteries, but you unfold their secrets. They declare the commandments, but you help us to practice them. They point out the way, but you give us the strength to walk it. They work only from the outside, but you instruct and enlighten the heart. They water the surface, but you provide a rich harvest. They proclaim the words, but you give understanding to what we would hear.
So, do not let Moses speak to me, but you, O Lord, my God, eternal Truth, you speak to me. If I hear your voice, I may not die dry and barren as I would if I were warned from without and not inflamed from within. Speak then, Lord, for your servant listens, for you have the words of eternal life. Speak to me to comfort my soul and to change my whole life; in turn, may it give you praise and glory and honor, forever and ever.
Amen.
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