Spirit of Prayer
by William Law
Summary
Influenced by the writings of German mystic, Jacob Boehme, William Law wrote
two related works of mysticism: The Spirit of Love and The Spirit of Prayer.
Written by Law in the 1750’s, these books emphasize Law’s own creative
interpretation of mysticism, which relies heavily on the indwelling of Christ
in the believer’s soul. The Spirit of Prayer contains a series of prayers and
dialogues which focus on the profound love of God. Law intended his writings to
help readers renew their understanding of the holy life. He encourages his
readers to follow God’s calling in this poetic passage: “When therefore
the first spark of a desire after God arises in thy soul, cherish it with all
thy care, give all thy Heart into it, it is nothing less than a touch of the
Divine. Get up therefore and follow it as gladly, as the Wise Men of the East
followed the Star from Heaven that appeared to them. It will do for thee, as
the Star did for them, it will lead thee to the birth of Jesus, not in a stable
at Bethlehem in Judea, but to the Birth of Jesus in the dark centre of thy own
fallen Soul.” Law is sensitive and wise in his words. Readers find
themselves at first convicted and then comforted by Law’s The Spirit of
Prayer.
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer
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