The Reflective Life

For my next class we are asked to read one more book along with the text books. There are several good books on the list to choose from, just because I like to read, I am going to enjoy, "The Reflective Life" by Ken Gire, before the class even begins.

The reflective life reminds me of the simple life. I went and reread the thoughts on a simplified life from Robin Lee Hatcher's site here is the one that stood out:

3. A life of simplicity requires the practice of the spiritual disciplines. (We will focus especially on the disciplines of solitude, prayer and community.)

Reflection will be part of the next class and so will the spiritual disciplines. In the introduction of part three of Ken Gire's book, there is a quote from Andrew Murray's book on "Humility" that opened my mind to reflect.

The Soil of the Reflective Life (Chapter Three - Ken Gire)

This, my friend, is a secret of secrets. It will help you to reap where you have not sown, and it will be continual source of grace in our soul. For everything that inwardly stirs in you, or outwardly happens to you, becomes a real good to you if it finds or excites in you this humble state of mind. For nothing is in vain, or without profit to the humble soul. It stands always in a state of divine growth; everything that falls upon it is like a dew of heaven to it.

Andrews Murray's little book on Humility: The path to divine growth and nobility, changed my life a few years ago with a little prayer that is at the back in the NOTES section. It is part of the online copy, I will post the prayer (you can view it online by clicking on the tag):

A PRAYER FOR HUMILITY - Andrew Murray

I will here give you an infallible touchstone, that will try all to the truth. It is this: retire from the world and all conversation, only for one month; neither write, nor read, nor debate anything with yourself; stop all the former workings of your heart and mind: and, with all the strength of your heart, stand all this month, as continually as you can, in the following form of prayer to God. Offer it frequently on your knees; but whether sitting, walking, or standing, be always inwardly longing, and earnestly praying this one prayer to God: "That of His great goodness He would make known to you, and take from your heart, every kind and form and degree of Pride, whether it be from evil spirits, or your own corrupt nature; and that He would awaken in you the deepest depth and truth of that Humility, which can make you capable of His light and Holy Spirit." Reject every thought, but that of waiting and praying in this matter from the bottom of your heart,with such truth and earnestness, as people in torment wish to pray and be delivered from it ...If you can and will give yourself up in truth and sincerity to this spirit of prayer, I will venture to affirm that, if you had twice as many evil spirits in you as Mary Magdalene had, they will all be cast out of you, and you will be forced with her to weep tears of love at the feet of the holy Jesus.-The Spirit of Prayer, Pt. II, p. 124

I think my next class is really going to change some of my flaws (sins?)! I am glad I know Jesus will be with me...I am also thankful for the wonderful mentors God has placed in my life to walk with me through the next season in my spiritual journey.

P.S Thank you to my spiritual mentors for saying, "yes"...and thank you God for this new journey.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I love Andrew Murray!
His stuff has impacted me in such a deep way, I don’t think I even understand it. I have read most of his books and have been so encouraged by his personal walk with Jesus. He was something special.

I am a musician and AM has inspired many of my songs. I would be honored if you would check out my music on my site. All my music is free for download. Anyway, I just thought that I’d share.

Thanks,
-Sean
________________________
www.SeanDietrich.com
“All my music is free for download.”

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