My first book review would be "Love in the Ruins", by Walker Percy, however I've not read the book, nor can I find it. It's buried within the confusing cleanliness brought about by my recent marriage. This is a good thing, once I get used to it. Books that once lay open on the couch suddenly hide themselves in dresser drawers or amidst the camouflage of spines on our bookshelf. It's like searching for Chiwawa poo along a rocky driveway in early morning light.
Instead, today's book is "Experiencing God through Prayer" by Madame Guyon. In conversation I had trouble recalling her first name, as one would if asked the first name of Mr. Rogers. Likewise, her writings permit the reader a glimpse at the veil, but not behind the curtain. Her writings on prayer do not focus on revealing herself, but rather on revealing the immediate availability of God to all. This is good news, my friends. The reader is not invited into details of M. Guyon's personal life. Instead, the reader is guided by M. Guyon's faith in the scripture message. She quotes Luke, saying, "The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). This book is not intended for unbelievers, but for those struggling with against self-will and dry spells, this short read is filled with nuggets like these:
"Prayer is nothing more than turning our hearts toward God and receiving in turn his love."
"Great faith produces great abandonment"
"Every saint will differ in glory according to the perfection of that union with Him."
"No amount of self-effort will bring you into His presence"
"God is our center"
