In our Wednesday evening Reflection we came upon a prayer by Anselm of Canterbury 1033-1109. It is found in his book “Proslogion” which was written to enable the uneducated to seek and find God. I quote (below) from the 1st chapter.
Come on now little man, get away from your worldly occupations for a while, escape from your tumultuous thoughts. Lay aside your burdensome cares and put off your laborious exertions. Give yourself over to God for a little while, and rest for a while in Him. Enter into the cell of your mind, shut out everything except God and whatever helps you to seek Him once the door is shut. Speak now, my heart, and say to God,
“I seek your face;
your face, Lord, I seek.
O Lord, my God,
teach my heart where to see you,
how to see you,
where and how to find you.
You have made me and remade me,
and you have given me all the good things I have ever possessed
– and still I do not know you.
Teach me to seek you,
for I cannot seek you unless you teach me,
or find you unless you reveal yourself to me
Help me to seek you in desire,
help me to desire you in my seeking,
help me to find you by loving you,
help me to love you when I find you.”
– St. Anselm of Canterbury, England 1033-1109
Anselms’ advice is worth taking on board, whether we are educated or not. If a child or a parent went missing we would be diligent and purposeful in seeking them out. If we desire a relationship with God, surely we should be as diligent in seeking Him out?
Many Blessings
Rev Shan