For years, I have loved this prayer by St Anselm of Canterbury. However, I just discovered it’s been compiled (or gleaned maybe) from Anselm’s Discourse on the Existence of God.
I love the original prayer, but the full discourse is even richer. Anselm seems more concerned, at the outset of his discourse, to actually experience God, rather than simply theorise about the idea of divine encounter. George Muller understood this too, in his pamphlet, Soul Nourishment First.
I realise my soul has grown hungry and lean again, and it’s time to seek out some rich soul food. Here are some extracts from Anselm’s Discourse that grab me as I set out again in search of a well-fed soul.
‘Cast aside, now, thy burdensome cares, and put away thy toilsome business. Yield room for some little time to God; and rest for a little time in him.
Enter the inner chamber of thy mind; shut out all thoughts save that of God, and such as can aid thee in seeking him; close thy door and seek him.
Speak now, my whole heart! speak now to God, saying, I seek thy face; thy face, Lord, will I seek, (Psalms 27:8). And come thou now, O Lord my God, teach my heart where and how it may seek thee, where and how it may find thee.’ (St Anselm: Discourse)
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