AboutDr. Jay Nelson Forrest Expertise I can answer any question dealing with Christian mysticism, such as questions concerning the awakening call, the purgative way, the illuminative way, the unitive way, spiritual experiences, spiritual direction, spiritual disciplines, prayer, ecstasy, the rule of life, internal monasticism, asceticism, mystical theology, devotional helps, chanting, meditation, contemplation, hesychasm, and more.
Experience
Dr. Jay N. Forrest is an ardent student of Christian mysticism in all three branches of Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant). Jay Forrest was a Charismatic minister for over 20 years, pastoring churches in Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, Arizona, and New Mexico. He is the author over over 150 articles and poems and several books. He currently is a Adult Sunday School teacher for Our Lady Queen of Angels Church.
Question how dose one get started down the road of cm? I'm a committed Christian of the evangelical anglcan perswation.
Answer Hi David,
It depends upon your starting point. Probably the best place to start is to begin to study the spiritual disciplines. Richard Foster's book the Celebration of Discipline is a good place to begin.
Mysticism is more about experience than knowledge, though some knowledge is necessary. The key is to begin to develop a prayer life. The key to any relationship is spending time together. Your relationship with God is no different. Madam Guyon has a great little book on prayer called A Short and Very Easy Method of Prayer. It is a good place to start.
I also recommend finding a spiritual director to sit down and help you develop a rule of life. Basically a rule of life is a series of disciplines designed to help you in your spiritual formation. You can ask you priest if he knows of anyone who does spiritual direction.
I am excited about your desire to passionately pursue God and pray that you are blessed by His majestic presence.
