|
George Fox (1624-1691), founder of the Quakers, or Society of Friends, speaks of an opening, when the Spirit manifests directly a “prophetic word” or “go ahead” to proceed with a decision:
Now after I had received that opening from the Lord that to be bred at Oxford or Cambridge was not sufficient to fit a man to be a minister of Christ, I regarded the priests less, and looked more after the dissenting people. And among them I saw there was some tenderness, and many of them came afterward to be convinced, for they had openings. But as I had forsaken all the priests, so I left the separate preachers also, and those called the most experienced people; for I saw there was none among them all that could speak to my condition. And when all my hopes in them and in all men were gone, so that I had nothing outwardly to help me, nor could tell me what to do, then, Oh then, I heard a voice which said, “There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition,” and when I heard it my heart did leap for joy…. And this I knew experimentally.
(Journal of George Fox)
Often we are most prepared and ready to listen to the Holy Spirit after all other voices have failed to clarify for us a direction to take and peace to take it. This Voice is experimental, or experienced through the spiritual senses; though “inward” it can be as certain as an “outward” voice.
Spiritual Exercise
Have you ever had an opening, in which the Spirit gave you peace and clarity in a particular decision? Explain.
Prayer
Indwelling Christ, teach me to listen patiently and trust, seeking above all other voices your Voice. Amen.
Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union, can be ordered through major bookdealers.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
|
