A short and very easy method of prayer
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A short and very easy method of prayer
Jeanne Marie Guyon's 'A short and very easy method of prayer' offers a starkly minimalist approach to divine communion, a welcome antidote to the often convoluted spiritualities that proliferate. The strength of this work lies in its unadorned directness; it strips away the artifice and intellectualization that can alienate modern seekers. Its focus on a 'simple gaze' upon God, as presented in its core teachings, is remarkably potent. However, the brevity that makes it accessible also means it offers little in the way of systematic guidance for those completely new to contemplative practice; the leap from intellectual understanding to experiential practice can still feel significant. The passage discussing the abandonment of 'willful prayer' in favor of passive reception is particularly striking, demanding a surrender that is both the goal and the challenge. This is not a manual for the hesitant, but a direct invitation to the willing soul.
📝 Description
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Jeanne Marie Bouvier de La Motte Guyon wrote 'A short and very easy method of prayer' in the late 17th century.
This book presents a simple approach to prayer, originally written by Jeanne Marie Bouvier de La Motte Guyon. The 2016 CrossReach Publications edition makes her devotional method accessible. It focuses on direct communion with God, favoring simplicity and inner quiet over complex theology. This work is for those seeking a closer relationship with the divine, especially if traditional prayer feels formal or difficult.
It appeals to sincere spiritual seekers, regardless of their theological background. Those interested in Quietism or contemplative prayer will find its ideas familiar. The core teaching is that prayer is a state of being, not just a list of requests. It emphasizes resting in God's presence through a 'simple gaze' or 'simple attention.'
The method encourages letting go of personal desires to better receive God's will. This requires quiet receptivity rather than active effort. The goal is spiritual union achieved through this receptive prayer.
Jeanne Marie Bouvier de La Motte Guyon was active during the 17th-century French spiritual revival, a period marked by various mystical movements. Her advocacy for a selfless love of God and passive surrender to His will placed her within the Quietist tradition. This approach, which emphasized direct experience of the divine over external forms, sometimes led to controversy and condemnation from established religious authorities. Guyon's writings influenced both Catholic and Protestant mystical paths, highlighting a desire for intimate spiritual union.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn a radical simplification of prayer, moving from petitionary requests to a sustained state of divine presence, as exemplified by the 'simple gaze' concept Guyon advocates. • Discover the core tenets of Quietism, a significant 17th-century spiritual movement, and its emphasis on passive surrender and direct encounter with God, distinct from the era's more structured devotional forms. • Gain a practical, accessible method for cultivating inner stillness and divine connection, directly applicable even for those unfamiliar with complex theological frameworks or prior spiritual disciplines.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core principle of Jeanne Marie Guyon's method of prayer?
The core principle is a 'simple gaze' or 'simple attention' on God, emphasizing a state of passive receptivity and resting in divine presence rather than active petition or elaborate ritual.
When was Jeanne Marie Guyon's 'A short and very easy method of prayer' originally written?
While this specific edition is from 2016, Jeanne Marie Guyon lived from 1648 to 1717, and her influential writings on prayer date from the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
What is 'Quietism' as discussed in relation to Guyon's work?
Quietism is a mystical tradition emphasizing the passivity of the soul and the cessation of all active volitions and desires to achieve direct union with God, a stance for which Guyon was a prominent proponent.
Is this book suitable for beginners in prayer?
Yes, the method is designed to be 'short and very easy,' aiming for simplicity and direct experience, making it accessible to those new to contemplative prayer traditions.
What does 'prayer of the heart' mean in this context?
It refers to a form of prayer that originates from the inner disposition and affections, a continuous, often wordless, awareness of and turning towards God, rather than a spoken or intellectual exercise.
What challenges might a reader face with this method?
Readers might initially struggle with the concept of passivity and relinquishing active control, as the method requires a significant surrender of ego and self-will, which can be difficult to achieve.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Simple Gaze
This work champions the 'simple gaze' as the apex of prayer. It's not about forming complex petitions or engaging in lengthy theological contemplation, but rather a sustained, quiet attention focused on God's presence. This concept, central to Guyon's Quietist leanings, suggests that the most profound connection is achieved through a passive, loving awareness, a constant turning of the heart towards the divine without the need for words or conscious effort.
Abandonment of Self-Will
A central to Guyon's teaching is the complete abandonment of personal will in favor of God's will. This is not mere resignation but an active relinquishing of desires and plans, allowing the divine will to guide every aspect of one's life and spiritual practice. This concept is crucial for achieving the state of passive receptivity that characterizes the 'easy method of prayer'.
Prayer as a State of Being
Contrary to viewing prayer as an activity or a specific time slot, this book presents it as an ongoing state of consciousness. The 'easy method' is about cultivating a continuous interior disposition of loving attention to God, permeating all moments of life. This transforms prayer from an occasional duty into a lived reality, a constant communion that requires no specific posture or location.
Experiential Spirituality
The emphasis throughout is on direct, personal experience of God, rather than adherence to dogma or ritual. Guyon's method bypasses intellectual intermediaries, aiming for an immediate, felt sense of divine presence. This experiential focus was characteristic of certain mystical traditions and appealed to those seeking a more visceral and intimate spiritual life.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The simplest way of prayer is to have no other care than to be with God.”
— This captures the book's core message: prayer is not about complexity but about maintaining a conscious, uncomplicated presence with the divine, prioritizing communion over action.
“We need only give ourselves to God, and He will give Himself to us.”
— This highlights the principle of reciprocal divine-human relationship. It suggests that human effort is primarily about surrender and receptivity, with God's self-revelation being the natural response to such openness.
“The soul that is truly joined to God asks for nothing.”
— This points to the advanced stage of spiritual union where personal desires cease, and the soul's sole focus is on the divine being, finding complete satisfaction in that connection.
“Prayer is a state of the heart, not of the head.”
— This distinction emphasizes the emotional and volitional core of prayer, positioning it as an affair of the spirit and affections rather than intellectual reasoning or theological debate.
“Cease to do, and Thou wilt be.”
— A powerful distillation of the passive, surrender-focused approach. It implies that spiritual realization comes not from striving but from letting go of self-activity and allowing one's true nature in God to emerge.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work is deeply rooted in the Christian mystical tradition, specifically within the vein of Quietism and contemplative prayer that emphasizes direct, unmediated experience of the Divine. It departs from more scholastic or ritualistic approaches by prioritizing inner stillness and passive receptivity. While firmly within Christianity, its emphasis on inner union and the cessation of egoic activity appeals to broader esoteric principles found in Neoplatonism and certain Eastern contemplative practices.
Symbolism
The primary 'symbol' is the 'simple gaze' itself – a metaphor for direct, unadulterated attention to the divine presence. It symbolizes a purification of perception, stripping away all intermediaries, thoughts, and desires to perceive God directly. Another motif is 'abandonment,' representing the soul's willing surrender of its own agency, akin to the alchemical dissolution of the base self to allow for spiritual transformation, or the Gnostic concept of returning to the Pleroma.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practitioners of contemplative prayer, mindfulness, and non-dual spiritualities often find Guyon's method remarkably relevant. Thinkers and groups focused on deconstructing traditional religious dogma in favor of direct spiritual experience draw upon her emphasis on inner states. Her focus on cultivating inner peace through surrender also appeals to modern self-help and wellness movements seeking practical techniques for stress reduction and profound well-being.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Seekers of direct spiritual experience: Individuals aiming to deepen their connection with the divine beyond intellectual understanding or formal ritual, seeking a path of inner peace. • Students of Christian Mysticism: Those interested in the Quietist movement and its historical impact, seeking primary source material from a key figure like Jeanne Marie Guyon. • Practitioners of Contemplative Arts: Individuals engaged in meditation, mindfulness, or other contemplative practices who wish to explore a historically significant Christian approach to inner stillness and divine presence.
📜 Historical Context
Jeanne Marie Bouvier de La Motte Guyon’s "A short and very easy method of prayer" emerged from the fervent spiritual range of late 17th-century France. This era saw intense religious devotion alongside significant theological debates. Guyon was a leading proponent of Quietism, a mystical movement advocating for passive surrender to God's will and a selfless love that transcended personal merit or desire. Her teachings, which emphasized direct, experiential communion, often clashed with the more structured, scholastic approaches prevalent at the time, particularly with figures associated with the Sorbonne. The Catholic Church, wary of potential heterodoxy and influenced by condemnations of Quietism, viewed Guyon's work with suspicion, leading to her persecution and even imprisonment. Despite this, her writings circulated widely, influencing both Catholic and Protestant mystical traditions and offering an alternative to the established devotional practices of her contemporaries like François Fénelon, who also engaged with Quietist ideas.
📔 Journal Prompts
The 'simple gaze' on God: How can you cultivate this sustained, quiet attention throughout your day?
Reflect on the concept of 'abandonment of self-will'; where does it feel most challenging to surrender control?
Consider the distinction between prayer as an activity versus prayer as a state of being; how does this shift your perspective?
Explore the idea of asking for nothing; what does complete satisfaction in divine presence imply?
How does Guyon's 'easy method' contrast with your current prayer practices or spiritual disciplines?
🗂️ Glossary
Simple Gaze
A core concept in Guyon's method, referring to a direct, passive, and continuous attention focused on God's presence, devoid of complex thoughts or desires.
Quietism
A mystical spiritual movement, prominent in the 17th century, emphasizing passivity, detachment from personal will, and direct experiential union with God.
Abandonment
The complete surrender of one's own will, desires, and plans to God's divine will, a key practice for achieving spiritual union.
Prayer of the Heart
A form of prayer originating from the inner disposition and affections, characterized by a continuous, often wordless, awareness of and turning towards God.
Self-Will
The individual's personal desires, intentions, and plans, which are seen in this context as an obstacle to be relinquished in favor of divine will.
Passive Receptivity
An inner state of openness and readiness to receive divine grace and guidance without active striving or resistance.
Divine Presence
The direct, felt awareness of God's being and immanence, the object of the 'simple gaze' and the goal of this method of prayer.
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