John Henry Newman, quoted in Christian Teachings on the Practice of Prayer From the Early Church to the Present, ed. Lorraine Kisly. Boston: New Seeds, 2006, p.130.
Thus self-knowledge is at the root of all real religious knowledge; and it is in vain -- worse than vain -- it is a deceit and a mischief, to think to understand the Christian doctrines as a matter of course, merely by being taught by books, or by attending sermons, or by any outward means, however excellent, taken by themselves. For it is in proportion as we search our hearts and understand our own nature, that we understand what is meant by an Infinite Governor and Judge; in proportion as we comprehend the nature of disobedience and our actual sinfulness, that we feel what is the blessing of the removal of sin, redemption, pardon, sanctification, which otherwise are mere words. God speaks to us primarily in our hearts. Self-knowledge is the key to the precepts and doctrines of Scripture. The very utmost any outward notices of religion can do, is to startle us and make us turn inward and search our hearts; and then, when we have experienced what it is to read ourselves, we shall profit by the doctrines of the Church and the Bible.
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It would be so wonderfully easy if we could always know what to do by reading scripture or books or listening to sermons or other people. Yet not only do these outward sources not address our own very specific situations, but they cannot tell us whether we are really doing the right thing, whether we have searched our hearts as thoroughly as is needed, whether we are really being honest with ourselves about our motives. Nor can they always tell us what God has in mind for us, and only us, at this very moment. The outward sources can be helpful, but they are no substitute for a relationship with God in which we enter more and more deeply into our own listening hearts.
Loving God, please help us to turn inward and search our hearts. Help us to know ourselves and be known by you. Help us to allow ourselves to open so that you can touch our inmost being and fill us with your loving presence.
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