HOLY AND ALERT LISTENING

The great Quaker mystic Thomas Kelly (1893-1941) has given clear directions for profitable listening and meditation. He said, “The first step… obedience, is the flaming vision of the wonder of such a life, and a vision which comes to us occasionally. There is an infinite fountain of lifting power, pressing within us, luring us by dazzling visions, and we can only say, the creative God comes into our souls. The God of love is wooing us to his holy life.

One is having the vision, the second step is, begin where you are. Obey now. Use what little obedience you are capable of, even if it be like a grain of mustard seed, begin where you are. Begin to pray phrases, whether alone or in a crowd, such as, “my God, my God, my holy one,” or “O Wonderful, O wonderful, O Wonderful,” and keep this up in silent prayer.

And the third step is this, if you slip and stumble and forget God, and revert to your old proud self and clever wisdom, don’t spend too much time in anguished regrets and self accusations but begin again, just where you are. Relax. Don’t grit your teeth and clench your fists. Take your hands off and let life be willed through you.”

This is excellent counsel from a wise man.

“So be careful how you listen.” Jesus