Expert: Dr. Jay Forrest - 4/2/2008

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.

There is also a number of articles on my website that might help as well. http://www.jayforrest.net/cd/artmysticism.htm

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.

Your servant in Christ,

Jay Nelson Forrest
http://www.JayForrest.net