"The spiritual journey," writes Thomas Keating, "is not a career or a success story. It is a series of humiliations of the false self that becomes more and more profound. These make room inside us for the Holy Spirit to come in and heal. What prevents us from being available to God is gradually evacuated. We keep getting closer and closer to our center. Every now and then God lifts a corner of the veil and enters into our awareness through various channels, as if to say, 'Here I am. Where are you? Come and join me.' "
Father Keating writes with the simplicity and depth that emerges from more than fifty years of practicing to become a 'friend of God'--in this case as a Cistercian monk, abbot, and spiritual advisor... Those of us who learn from him are grateful for--and blessed by--his gifts.
--Elaine Pagels
"In an era when the commodification of spirituality in America seems inescapable, his presence and message are] genuinely inspiring."
--Ronald F. Thiemann
"The spiritual journey, says Thomas Keating, is a journey of self-discovery, since the encounter with God is also an encounter with one's deepest self. As we come closer to God, we encounter the wellsprings of our own makeup, the hidden chambers of our personality and behavior. God calls us to live in a real world as mature people. And so, growing in God's grace is a gradual process of stepping into the light, of owning up to ourselves and becoming fully human."
"To insulate themselves against the pain of living, many people--including many Christians --develop "homemade" selves where they feel protected. But this behavior is radically challenged by Christ, who calls people to repent and reclaim their true selves, bestowed on them by their creator."
"The practice of contemplative prayer assists in this process. But contemplative prayer can also be a dangerous place where primitive emotions are let loose. For this reason, those who desire a profound relationship with God would do well to seek the guidance of a loving companion who can journey with them and bring them to a place of healing and mature life."
--Harold W. Wit, Harvard University, 1998
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This book will guide you into a deeper relationship with God. It cannot be read lightly but needs to be pondered and meditated on with the scripture. It is written as a daily devotional, although it could be read as an ordinary book it needs to be digested slowly. It has been a wonderful experience in my life. It is in the same category as My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.
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Each year I choose a devotional book to use in my morning devotions. This year I found a treasure, "Daily In His Presence", by Andrew Murray. Each day comes with a verse from scripture and comments from Mr. Murray around a different theme each month. You will find every day to be filled with richness and depth that seldom come from a devotional book. You will want to use it year after year, and give copies to family and friends...
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Delighted to find this book. It was in great shape and sent quickly. Thanks
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Andrew Murray compels us through this devotional to draw near to the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. Encouraging, exhorting and challenging the believer to live our lives to the fullest as our expression of joy to our Lord. While acknowledging that only by faith through God's grace and power, waiting and relying on Him alone, shall we honor His desire for our lives on this earth.
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I have long searched for a daily devotional that could deliver both a lesson in Scripture and an encouraging, devotional thought for prayer and reflection. There are many, many devotional resources out there, and I've found that most suffer from (in my opinion) one of two drawbacks: (1) more focus on the author's thoughts than on Scripture itself, or (2) thoughts that seem random, even forced, and don't follow any particular...
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