m a t t e s a t

d r a p e r

Mystics at Prayer

V V V

First Edition, M arch 1931

Second Edition, M a y 1932

Third Edition. September, 1936

Printed in U .S . A.

The Rosicrvcian Press, Ltd.

San Jose, California

C O M P IL E R ’S D E D IC A T IO N

I dedicate this book with the deepest

and most respectful esteem

to

Mrs. G ladys R. Lewis,

wife of the Supreme Secretary of

A M O R C

of North and South

Am erica

M Y S T I C S AT P R A Y E R

THE R O S IC R U C IA N LIBRARY

Volume

I. Roslcrucian Questions and Answers with Complete

H istory of the Order.

II. Rosicrucian Principles for the Hom e and Business.

III. The Mystical Life of Jesus.

IV. The Secret Doctrines of Jesus. (In preparation.)

V. "U n to Thee I G rant." (Secret Teachings of Tibet.)

VI. A Thousand Years of Yesterdays. (A Revelation

of Reincarnation.)

V II. Self M astery and Fate with the Cycles of Life.

V III. Rosicrucian Manual.

IX. Mystics at Prayer.

X. Rosicrucian Healing. (In preparation.)

X I. Mansions o f the Soul. (The Cosm ic Conception.)

X II. Lemuria— The Lost Continent of the Pacific.

X III. The Technique of the Master.

X IV . The Sym bolic Prophecy of the G reat Pyramid.

XV. The Book of Jasher.

XV I. The Technique of the Disciple.

(O ther volumes will be added from time to time.

W rite for complete catalogue.)

^ ........

JflpStics at draperV

Com piled by

FR. MANY CIHLAR, F. R. C.V IEN N A . A U ST R IA

W ith Introduction by

DR. H. SPEN CER LEW IS, F. R. C .

R O S IC R U C IA N L IB R A R Y

V O L U M E IX.

S U P R E M E G R A N D L O D G E O F A M O R C

Printing and Publishing Department

San Jose. California

This unique book contains a carefully selected group of prayers found in the personal and private writings of many well- known characters and in the liturgy of various religious movements.

They have been selected by Mr. Cihlar after a careful study of the prayers of all peoples and all nations in relation to the processes of mystical attunement and spiritual development.

Mr. C ihlar is a Rosicrucian, a high officer in this time-honored and beautiful body of Mystics, adhering to and promulgating the divine principles of earthly life.

From his sanctum in Vienna, Austria, his manuscript was sent to America that it might be published by the Western W orld branch of the Rosicrucian Brotherhood and given to the people of this new world with the hope that it may lead to a greater desire to pray and a greater efficiency in the manner of praying.

W e trust that this hope will be fulfilled by the wide-spread distribution of this book and the daily reference to the prayers contained in it.

T H E PU BL ISH ERS .

I N T R O D U C T I O N

V

H O W T O PR A Y

An examination of the prayers which appear on the following pages reveals the fact that the great mystics of all ages understood the real processes of prayer and knew how to pray.

Christians have the beautiful example o f the prayer given to them by Jesus, the Christ, as a standard; and it is a most beautiful standard. But, long before the Christian era, the Mystics, the Avatars, and those through whom the Light of G od shone among men, knew by divine inspiration how to pray. Examples of their prayers contained in these pages prove this fact.

The M ystic and those who were touched with the Light of Cosm ic Consciousness had a very definite under­standing of the processes of prayer. In the W estern W orld today millions of persons have digressed very greatly from these processes, and, making their prayers long and filled with personal petitions, are often dis­appointed with the seeming lack of efficacy in their prayers or the inefficacy of praying. It may be permis­sible, therefore, briefly to outline or review true processes of prayer as understood by the Mystics.

According to the mystical view-point, praying to G od is based upon the conviction that G o d is omnipotent in power, present everywhere, and willing to listen to our sincere petitions. This is all that we should have in mind when praying. The average person in praying, however, has in mind some assumptions which mislead him in wording his prayers, and in approaching the very attitude of prayer. H e assumes that G o d is not only omnipotent in power, omnipresent, and merciful, but that with all of His power, with all of H is intelligence, with all of H is mastership and control throughout the world, and with all

His attunement with the beings which H e created, He is, nevertheless, ignorant of our wants and needs, and com­pletely unacquainted with what we require in life in order to live abundantly and secure our every day necessities. Very often, the prayerful petitioner also assumes that G od has given no thought to the outcome of certain contests in life or struggles between various factions of human beings, and is incapable of justly deciding such contests or awarding the victory to the right side. These false assumptions are responsible for the mistakes that are made in prayer and for the failure of prayers to be highly efficacious.

To go into prayer with the idea or belief that G od does not know what we need or even what we want, or what is best for us, and that we must advise Him, argue with Him, stress our view-point and convince Him, or at least urge Him, to adopt our ideas and decisions and grant what we plead for, is to make the most serious mistake in the process of praying.

In the first place, the process of prayer is a transcen­dent method o f communion with God. If is the most intimate, personal contact that human beings can make with their Father, the Creator of all beings. This sublime period of communion should be approached with clean thoughts, but most of all with a clear understanding of our privileges and a total absence of any feeling that we have any right to petition G o d to grant our wishes.

The Mystics know, also, that true prayer is based upon a Cosm ic and Spiritual law. That law is this: "Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." The ancient mystical injunction was that you must ask in order to receive, that you must proffer your hand in order to have the token given unto you, that you must express your desire before it will be answered. In all mystical processes, the expression of a sincere wish or desire, opens wide the doorway to the reception of spiritual blessings. The asking in sincerity and the rev-

erenlfal expression of such wishes attunes the person with the one who has the power to give and, unless there is a meeting of the minds and a meeting of the conscious­ness of both persons, there can neither be attunement nor the passing from one to the other of the spiritual things desired. To the Mystic, therefore, prayer is a meeting of the minds. it is not an occasion for personal petitioning, but for spiritual communion. It is a time when the soul within us and the deepest and most inner parts of our being sacredly, sincerely, and quietly speak to G o d and express the deepest wishes of our hearts and minds. The belief, therefore, that our human conception of our needs must be outlined in minutest detail and expressed in great elaboration is also a misconception, since the thoughts moving us to prayer are easily trans­mitted to the divine consciousness during this communion, and the lips need only speak the fewest words of appre­ciation and thankfulness.

Prayers should not consist of a categorical represen­tation of details or a long list of the things that we feel we want, but merely an expression of a desire for divine blessings. Have we any right to come before G o d in this privileged period of communion and demand, or even plead, that long life be given to us because we desire it and have come to the conclusion that it is the thing we shoufd have? Is that not an indication that we have concluded that G od may not have thought about our lives or may have ordained otherwise, or differently, and that we hope to change H is mind or set aside His wise decree because of our petition? H ave we any right to come before the Creator of all, and say that we want this, that, or the other thing in a manner which intimates that we have outlined and decided upon such things as being our judgment of what is best for us?

if we lived in a great kingdom under a most fust and merciful king, and were enjoying every benediction and blessing that the king could bestow upon the multitudes

who fived under him, and we were notified that we had the extraordinary privilege of coming before this king in personal communion, and during this communion we might express our great desires in some form of prayerful petition, would we not hesitate for a long time in formu­lating our desires and arranging the expressions we would use? Undoubtedly, when the moment came to face the Icing and be permitted to open our lips and speak any words at all, we would first utter some words of pro­found thankfulness for the blessings we had enjoyed, and humbly add that if it pleased the king, we would be happy to continue enjoying the same blessings or possibly a few more. Not one of us would think of attempting to petition this king to grant us a long list of material things, nor ask him to give us victory over others, or to make any exception in the universal standard of living, that we might rise above all our fellow men in the king­dom; nor would we ask for many of the things that were most desired. W e would be so happy in the fact that the king had granted us the privilege of communion that we would be moved to an attitude of thankfulness and an expression of appreciation for what we had, rather than entering into a demand for many other things.

How many go into prayer or come before the con­sciousness of G o d in Holy Communion in this attitude? How many cleanse their hands of debt by first thanking G od for each individual blessing throughout the day? How many approach G o d in prayer in an attitude of profound appreciation for the very life and consciousness which animates their beings? A fter all, is not the gift of life the greatest blessing that G o d can give, and if we have it, have we not that which is greater than anything else we may desire? To ask for other things than life or to petition for anything other than the consciousness of G o d in our beings is to lift lesser things and insignificant things above the greatest.

From the mystical point of view, our prayers should be expressions of desires for a continuation of the bene­dictions G od has already granted, and which He, in His supreme wisdom, has seen fit to bestow upon us. Ever uppermost in our minds should be the thought that, "Thy will, not mine be done." The simple expression of, "M a yit please the Father of us all that health may return tomy body," is a more concise, honest, and worthy pe­tition than one that demands or suggests that G o d change the law now in operation in our bodies, and set aside certain specific conditions and establish others, simply because this is the conclusion that we havereached, and is our greatest desire at the moment. Aprayer for victory should not be asked by the vainglorious one who has reached the conclusion that he, above all others, should be the victorious one in a contest, and that G od has made no decision and is waiting for man to present his conclusion.

By examining the prayers we will find that the Mystics always assumed that whatever might be their lot in life, and however the state of their health or the condition of the circumstances surrounding them, be they ill or fortunate, all things proceeded from G od and were or­dained by Him and, therefore, were fust and in accord­ance with some law or some principle, merciful, and necessary to human experience. The fact that man in his finite and undeveloped understanding could not com­prehend the reason for these experiences, or believe them to be wrong, unnecessary, or undesirable, does not warrant man in coming before G o d in the Holy Communion of prayer with the conclusion that his finite and undeveloped understanding is correct, and that G o d is in error or in ignorance of the conditions and needs to be advised and petitioned to make certain changes or to recall or undo H is decrees.

A s we shall see in the following pages the Mystics approached G od with the attitude that whatever was

their lot in life would be gladly and silently accepted, and all pains and sufferings endured, if it be the will of God. W e find in many of these prayers the thought expressed that even the sufferings and trials, and the tribulations in life, were appreciated since they were unquestionably the result of G o d 's plan being worked out in the individual for some ultimate purpose unques­tionably good and profitable.

The fact that we are not surrounded by any restrictions in regard to prayer and that G o d has given us the consciousness and ability, as well as the privilege, of approaching Him in Holy Communion and of attuning ourselves with Him at any hour of the day or any moment in our lives, is in itself a divine gift or concession that the Mystics valued above all things. Therefore, prayer was approached with thankfulness in every sense, and the first expression uttered by the lips was words of appreciation and thanks.

Learn how to pray, and make prayer the real pleasureof your life, for it brings you in closer contact with the great Ruler of the universe than you can ever ap­proach Him while living on this earthly plane of existence. Make your Holy Communions frequent. Thank G o d for the breath of life and the return of consciousness when you arise in the morning. Silently thank Him for every morsel of food at meal-time. Express your appreciation for every pleasure, every worldly gift, every moment of happiness, and every rich reward of your efforts or the efforts of others. A t the close of day, enter into Holy Communion of prayer and express your faith and trust in H is divine guidance of your soul and consciousness throughout the night, and again be thankful for the day and all the opportunities it contained to carry out your desires and ambitions, and to enjoy the divine blessings. Make prayer the transcendental and sublime pleasure of your inner self— more important, more en­

joyable, more uplifting and benefiting to your entire being than any other of your earthly experiences.

You will find many of the prayers on the following pages useful either in their precise wording, or as a guide and help in learning how to express the thoughts of your soul. The more you pray in the proper attitude, the more spiritually attuned you will become, and the richer will be the influx of the blessings from the Cosm ic through the great love and mercy of God.

H. SP E N C E R LEW IS, F. R. C .

Temple o f A lden Rosicrucian Park San Jose, California.

The Book

of the Dead

ABabylonian

Prayer

Psalm

19: 14

SyrianClementine

Liturgy

O T H O T H , let, I pray, T H Y face be towards me. Make T H O U my word to be M aa t* against my enemies, as T H O U didst make the word of Osiris to be M aat against his enemies.

O LO RD, do not cast T H Y servant off!In the deep watery morass he lies— take

hold of his hand!The sin that I have committed, change

to grace!The transgressions that I have committed,

let the wind carry off!

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in T H Y sight, O LO RD, my strength and my redeemer.

O G O D , W H O art the unsearchable abyss of peace, the ineffable sea of love, the fountain of blessings and the bestower of affection, W ho sendest peace to those that receive it. O pen to us the sea of T H Y love and water us with the plenteous streams from the riches of T H Y grace. Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace. Enkindle in us the fire of T H Y love; sow in us T H Y fear; strengthen our weak­ness by T H Y power; and bind us closely to TH EE and to each in one firm bond of unity.

*M a a t is the Egyptian word for truth.

Prayer of Manasses

Pericles

EmperorJulian

O L O R D A L M IG H T Y , which art in heaven,

T H O U G O D of our fathers,O f Abraham and Isaac and Jacob A nd of their righteous seed;T H O U who hast made the heaven and

the earth,W ith all the array thereof,W h o hast bound the sea by the word

of T H Y command;W h o hast shut up the Deep, and sealed it W ith T H Y terrible and glorious Name. Infinite and unsearchable in T H Y merciful

promise.For T H O U art the L O R D M O S T H IG H ,

of great compassion, long-suffering and abundant in mercy, and repentest TH EE for the evils of men.

T H O U , O LO RD , according to T H Y great goodness hast promised repentance and forgiveness to them that have sinned against THEE, and in the multitude of T H Y mercies hast appointed repentance unto sinners, that they may be saved.

G rant that no word may fall from me against my will unfit for the present need.

Point me the way that leadeth upward to THEE. For yonder regions where T H O U dwellest are incomparably beautiful, if ( may divine their beauty that is at T H Y side from the pleasantness of the Path which I have already traveled.

Zoroaster

Zoroaster

Socrates

JacobiteLiturgy

W ith bended knees, with hand out­stretched, I pray to THEE, my LO RD,

O IN V IS IBLE B EN EV O LEN T SPIRIT! Vouchsafe to me in this hour of joy, All righteousness of action, all wisdom

of the good mind,That I may thereby bring joy to the

Soul of Creation.

All that I ought to have thought andhave not thought;

All that I ought to have said and have not said;

All that I ought to have done and have not done;

All that I ought not to have thought and yet have thought;

All that I ought not to have spoken and yet have spoken;

All that I ought not to have done and yet have done;

For thoughts, words and works, pray I for forgiveness, and repent of with penance.

G rant me to be beautiful within, and all I have of outward things to be at peace with those within.

O G O D , the FATHER, O R IG IN of D IV IN ITY, G O O D beyond all that is good, FA IR beyond all that is fair, in W H O M is calmness, peace and concord; bring us all back into an unity of love, which may bear some likeness to T H Y sublime nature.

Liturgy

of the

Greek

Church

Liturgy of St. Mark

St. Ephrem

the Syrian

St. Chry­sostom.

St. Basil

O ur Father, W H O art in heaven, hal­lowed be T H Y name, T H Y kingdom come, T H Y will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. G ive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we ought to forgive those that trespass against us. Lead us when in temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

That which we know not, do T H O U re­veal; that which is wanting in us do T H O U fill up; in that which we know, do T H O U strengthen us.

W e give TH EE thanks — yea, more than thanks — O L O R D our G O D , for all T H Y goodness at all times and in all places.

T H O U hast quieted those which were in confusion. Praise to T H Y calmness, praise to T H Y reconciliation, O L O R D G O D .

Thanks be to THEE, O G O D , for every­thing.

Steer T H O U the vessel of our life towards THYSELF, T H O U tranquil Haven of all storm-tossed souls. Show us the course wherein we should go.

18 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

St. Chry­sostom

Into T H Y guidance and care, O LO RD, T H O U LO V ER of Man, we entrust all our life and hope.

St. Patrick M ay the Strength of G od pilot us. M ay the Power of G O D preserve us. M a y the W isdom of G O D instruct us. M ay the W a y of G o d direct us.

Synesius O UNITY, TH EE 1 sing by voices or by silence; for both are alike significant to THEE.

St. Biasius M ay G O D , the uncreated ABYSS, vouch­safe to call unto H IM S E L F our Spirit, the created abyss, and make it one with H IM , that our spirit, plunged in the deep sea of the G O D H E A D , may happily lose itself in the Spirit of G O D .

Synesius 1 hymn THEE, O BLESSED O N E, by means of voice, and 1 hymn THEE, O BLESSED O N E , by means of silence; for T H O U perceivest as much from silence spiritual as from voice.

SarumBreviary

A L M IG H T Y G O D , we invoke THEE, the fountain of everlasting Light, and entreat TH EE to send forth T H Y truth into our hearts, and to pour upon us the glory o f T H Y Brightness.

Synesius Behold T H Y suppliant attempting to mount; enlighten me, enable my wings, relax my fetters. M ay 1 escape from the body to T H Y bosom whence flows the Soul's source. Restore me to the Spring whence 1 was poured forth. G rant that beneath the ordering of my SIRE, 1 may sing in union with the R O Y A L C H O IR . Let me mingle with the Light, and never more sink to earth.

GelasianSacramen-

tary

O G O D of unchangeable Power, let the whole world feel and see that things which were cast down are being raised up, that those which had grown old are being made new and that all things are returning to perfection.

LeonineSacramen-

tary

G rant us, O LO RD , not to mind earthly things but to love things heavenly; and even now while we are placed among things that are passing away, to cleave to those that shall abide.

Mohammed O LO RD, grant us to love THEE; grant that we may love those that love THEE; grant that we may do the deeds that win T H Y love. M ake the love of TH EE to be dearer than ourselves, our families, than wealth, and even than cool water.

St. Augustine Come, L O R D and work. Arouse us and incite. Kindle us, sweep us onwards. Be fragrant as flowers, sweet as honey. Teach

20 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

St. Augustine G rant us to know TH EE and love TH EE and, rejoice in THEE. A nd if we cannot do these perfectly in this life, let us at least advance to higher degrees every day till we can come to do them to per­fection.

St. Augustine LO RD , teach me to know THEE, and to know myself.

St. Augustine W e seek T H Y face, turn T H Y face unto us, and show us T H Y glory. Then shall our longing be satisfied, and our peace shall be perfect.

St. Augustine LO RD, when 1 look upon mine own life it seems T H O U hast led me so carefully, so tenderly, T H O U canst have attended to none else; but when 1 see how wonderfully T H O U hast led the world and art leading it, 1 am amazed that T H O U hast had time to attend to such as 1.

St. Augustine Take T H O U possession of us. W e give our whole selves to THEE, make known to us what T H O U requirest of us, and we will accomplish it.

St. Augustine O G O D , where was 1 wandering to seek T H EE ? O most infinite Beauty, 1 sought TH EE without, and T H O U wast in the midst of my heart.

St. Augustine

CopticApocrypha

St. Anselm

O G O D , W H O dost grant us what we ask, if only when we ask we live a better life.

G lory be to THEE, PRO P IT IA TO R .G lory be to THEE, U N D Y IN G O N E .G lory be to THEE, K IN G of PEACE.G lory be to THEE, W H O was not born.G lory be to THEE, the IN C O RRU PT IBLE .G lory be to THEE, K IN G of G L O R Y .Glory be to THEE, the H E A D of the

U N IVERSE.G lory be to THEE, H O L Y and PERFECT

O N E .G lory be to THEE, T H O U T R E A SU R Y

of G L O R Y .G lory be to THEE, T H O U true Light.G lory be to THEE, DELIVERER of the

UN IVERSE.G lory be to THEE, T H O U W H O art in­

deed the G O O D O N E .G lory be to THEE, A L P H A of the

UN IVERSE.G lory be to THEE, LIFE of the UN IVERSE.O SW EET N A M E .O T H O U , W H O art at the head of the

Universe.O T H O U Beginning and End of every­

thing. A M E N .

O T H O U plenteous Source of every good and perfect gift, shed abroad the cheering light of T H Y sevenfold grace over our hearts.

22 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

Collect -from

the sixth century

of the night to clothe us in the glory of the day, chase from our hearts all gloomy thoughts, and make us glad with the brightness of hope that we may effectively aspire to unknown virtues.

Alcuin O E T ER N A L L IG H T, shine into our hearts. O E T ER N A L G O O D N E S S , deliver us from evil. O E T ER N A L PO W ER, be T H O U our support. E T ER N A L W IS D O M , scatter the darkness of our ignorance. E T ER N A L PITY, have mercy upon us.

John Scotus

ErigenaO T H O U , W H O art the everlasting

essence of things beyond space and time and yet within them; T H O U W H O tran- scendest yet pervadest all things; manifest T H YSELF to us, feeling after THEE, seeking T H EE in the shades of ignorance, yet seeking nothing beside THEE.

St. Ansefm Pierce with the arrows of T H Y love the secret chambers of the inner man. Let the entrance of T H Y healthful flames set the sluggish heart alight; and the burning fire of T H Y sacred inspiration enlighten it.

St. Hilde- garde

O M N IP O T E N T FATHER, out of THEE flows a fountain in fiery heat; lead T H Y sons by a favourable wind through the mystic waters.

M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R 23

St. Bernard 1 love TH EE because 1 love; 1 love that 1 may love.

St. Bernard In what blaze of G lory dost T H O U rise, O SU N R IG H T E O U SN E SS , from the heart of the earth, after T H Y setting!

In what resplendent Vesture, O K IN G of G L O R Y , dost T H O U enter again the highest heaven!

A t the sight of all these marvels, how can 1 do otherwise than cry: "A ll my bones shall say, LO RD , who is like unto T H E E ? "

St. Bernard IF T H O U , LO RD , art so good to those who seek, what shall T H Y goodness be to those who find?

St. Thomas Aquinas

G ive me, O LO RD, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give me an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give me an upright heart, which no unworthy pur­pose may tempt aside.

Bestow upon me also, O LO RD, my G O D , understanding to know THEE, dili­gence to seek THEE, wisdom to find THEE, and a faithfulness that may finally em­brace THEE.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Grant me fervently to desire, wisely to search out, and perfectly to fulfill all that is well-pleasing unto THEE.

24 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

St. Richard M ay we know TH EE more clearly, love TH EE more dearly, and follow TH EE more nearly.

DameGertrude

More

O my G O D , let me walk in the way of love which knoweth not how to seek self in anything whatsoever. Let this love wholly possess my soul and heart, which, ! beseech TH EE may live and move only in, and out of, a pure and sincere love to THEE. Let me love TH EE for THYSELF, and nothing else but in TH EE and for THEE. Let me love nothing instead of THEE; for to give all for love is a most sweet bargain.

KashfAl-Mahjup

T H Y will be done, O my L O R D and M A STER .

O T H O U who art my Spirit's treasure M E A N IN G .

O E S SE N C E of my being, O G O A L of my desire,

O my SP E E C H and H IN T S and my G ESTU RES.

O all of my all, O my H E A R IN G and my S IG H T .

O my W H O L E and my ELEM EN T and my PART ICLES.

MozarabicLiturgy

Do T H O U meet us while we walk in the W a y and long to reach the Country; so that following T H Y light we may keep the W a y of righteousness and never wander away into the darkness of this world's nigbt.

Jalalud-Din-Rumi

O T H O U who art my Soul's comfort in the season of sorrow,

O T H O U who art my Spirit's treasure in the bitterness of death,

That which the imagination hath not conceived;

That which the understanding hath not seen;

Visited my Soul from THEE.

Hence, in worship, I turn towards THEE.

O G O D , T H Y grace is the proper object of our desire;

To couple others with TH EE is not proper.

Nothing is bitterer than severance from THEE,

W ithout T H Y shelter there is naught but perplexity.

O u r worldly goods rob us of our heavenly goods,

O u r body rends the garment of our soul.

O u r hands, as it were, prey on our feet;

W ithout reliance on TH EE how can welive?

And if the soul escapes these great perils,

It is made captive as a victim of mis­fortunes and fears

Inasmuch as when the soul lacks union with the Beloved,

It abides for ever blind and darkened by itself.

Dante

SufiInvocation

Ruysbroeck

Ruysbroeck

G ive us this day the daily manna, with­out which through this rough desert he backward goes who toils most to go on.

Praise be to THEE, O H ID D E N O N E and M A N IF E ST E D O N E . Praise be to T H Y Glory, to T H Y Might, to T H Y Power, and to T H Y G reat Skill.

O A L L A H , to TH EE all greatness be­longs. O T H O U who possessest the Power and Beauty and Perfection. T H O U art the Spirit of All.

Praise to THEE, O S O V E R E IG N of all Monarchs; to THEE, O M A ST E R of all affairs; to THEE, O C O N T R O L L E R of all things; to THEE, RU LER of all BE ING S.

T H O U art free from death, free from birth and free from all limitations. O T H O U E T ER N A L O N E, T H O U art free from all conditions, pure from all things. O A L L A H , T H O U art the G O D of Souls on earth; T H O U art the L O R D of H O ST S in the Heavens.

O LO RD, I gasp in my desire for THEE, yet can I not consume THEE. The more I eat— the fiercer is my hunger; the more 1 drink— the greater is my thirst. I follow after that which flieth from me, and as I follow, my desire groweth greater.

O LO RD, T H O U desirest my spirit in the inward parts, that 1 may see TH EE as T H O U seest me, and love THEE as T H O U lovest me.

M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R 27

Tauler A s the sun-flower ever turning To the mighty sun,

W ith the faithfulness o f fealty Following only one—

So make me, LO RD, to THEE.

Tauler W e honour and glorify T H Y unspeakable mystery with holy reverence and silence.

Angela of Foligno

O SU P R E M E G O O D , T H O U has de­signed to make us know that T H O U art Love, and makest us in love with that love; wherefore they who come before T H Y face shall be rewarded according unto their love, and there is nothing which leadeth the contemplative unto contemplation sav­ing true love alone.

Suso T H O U hast granted my heart's desire— M ost blest of the blessed is he

W h o findeth no rest and no sweetness Till he rests, O LO RD, in THEE.

Suso It is meet that 1 should be enamoured of THEE, and whatever 1 shall know to be T H Y dearest will that 1 will always do.

Suso Gentle LO RD , cause some sweet fruit of good instruction to issue forth from our sharp thorns of sufferings, that we may suffer more patiently, and be better able to offer up our sufferings to T H Y praise and glory.

. .

28 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

Andrewes Unto all men everywhere give T H Y grace and T H Y blessing.

St. Catherine

of Sienna

O LO RD, 1 pray for all those whom T H O U hast given me, whom 1 love with a special love and whom T H O U hast made one thing with me. For they are my con­solation and for T H Y sake 1 desire to see them running in the sweet and narrow way dead to self and pure from all judg­ment and murmuring against their neigh­bour. M ay they all attain to THEE, O E T ER N A L FATH ER, to T H EE who art their final end.

St. Catherine

of SiennaPunish me for my sins in this finite Life.

St. Bernardine O G O D , acknowledge what is T H IN E in us, and take away from us all that is not TH INE, for T H Y honour and glory.

Lady Julian

of NorwichG O D , of T H Y Goodness, give me T H Y ­

SELF, for T H O U art enough to me, and may 1 nothing ask that is less, that may be full worship to THEE; and if 1 ask anything that is less, ever me wanteth,— but only in TH EE 1 have all.

Thomas

a Kempls

Praised be T H Y name, not mine; m ag­nified be T H Y work, not mine; blessed be T H Y Holy Name, but to me let no part of man's praise be given.

M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R 29

Thomas a Kempis

Thomas

a Kempis

Savonarola

St. Ignatius

Loyola

Grant me, O LO RD , heavenly wisdom, that I may learn above all things to seek and to find THEE; above all things to relish and to love THEE; and to think of all other things as being what indeed they are, at the disposal of T H Y wisdom.

O LO RD, T H O U knowest what is the better W ay, let this or that be done, as T H O U shalt please. G ive what T H O U wilt, and how much T H O U wilt, and when T H O U wilt. Deal with me as T H O U knowest, and as best pleaseth THEE, and is most for T H Y honour. Set me where T H O U wilt, and deal with me in all things just as T H O U wilt. I am in T H Y hand; turn me round and turn me back again, even as a wheel. Behold I am T H Y servant, prepared for all things; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto THEE; and oh that I could do it worthy and perfectly.

LO RD , we pray not for tranquillity, nor that our tribulations may cease; we pray for T H Y Spirit and T H Y love that T H O U grant us strength and grace to overcome adversity.

Teach us, good LO RD, to serve TH EE as T H O U deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do T H Y will.

30 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

Thomas

a KempisO LO RD , if only my will may remain

right and firm towards THEE, do with me whatsoever it shall please THEE. For it cannot be anything but good whatsoever T H O U shalt do with me.

IF T H O U wiliest me to be in darkness, be T H O U blessed; and if T H O U wiliest me to be in light be T H O U again blessed.

If T H O U vouchsafe to comfort me, be T H O U blessed; and if T H O U wiliest me to be afflicted, be T H O U ever equally blessed.

The Friend

of G odO LO RD, 1 wish for the love of TH EE

to keep from all sin to-day. Help me this day to do all 1 do to T H Y glory and according to T H Y dear will, whether my nature likes it or not.

TheologicaGermanica

1 would fain be to the E T ER N A L G O O D ­N E SS what his own hand is to a man.

Nicholas

de CusaRestless is my heart, O LO RD , because

T H Y love hath inflamed it with such a desire that it cannot rest but in TH EE alone.

St. Teresa Govern all by T H Y wisdom, O LO RD, so that my soul may always be serving TH EE as T H O U dost will and not as 1 may choose. Let me die to myself, so that 1 may serve THEE; let me live to THEE, who in T H Y SELF art the true life.

M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R 31

Erasmus Vouchsafe to bestow upon us some por­tion of T H Y heavenly Bread, day by day, that the hunger and thirst for earthly things may diminish in us continually.

St. Ignatius

LoyolaTake, O LO RD, and receive my entire

liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. All that 1 am, all that 1 have, T H O U hast given me, and 1 give it back again to TH EE to be disposed of according to T H Y good pleasure. G ive me only T H Y love and T H Y grace; with TH EE 1 am rich enough, nor do 1 ask for aught besides.

.:. .:.

St. Teresa Do not punish me by granting that which 1 wish or ask, if it offend T H Y love which would always live in me.

St. John

of the CrossO sweetest Love of G O D , too little

known; he who has found TH EE is at rest.Everywhere with THEE, O my G O D .

O my Love, all for THEE, nothing for me.O my G O D , how sweet to me T H Y

presence, W h o art the S O V E R E IG N G O O D . O LO RD, 1 beseech THEE, leave me not for a moment, because 1 know not the value of my soul.

St. Francis de Sales

O G O D , how admirable is that which we see; but O G O D , how much more so is that which we cannot see.

J

St. John

of the Cross

Book of Christian

Prayers

B.Whichcote

G O D of my life! nothing can make me glad,

For all my gladness springs from sight of THEE,

And faileth me because I have TH EE not.

If 'tis T H Y will, my G O D , I live forlorn, I'll take my longings even for my

comfort W h ile dwelling in this world.W hen shall there dawn that most

delicious day,When, O my Glory, I may foy in THEE Delivered from this body 's heavy load? Yet if my life can bring increase of

gloryTo T H IN E ET ER N A L BEING,In truth I do not wish that it should end.

O Light which does lighten every man that cometh into the world, without whom all is most dark darkness, by whom all things are most splendent; Lighten our minds, that we may only see those things that please T H EE and may be blinded to all other things.

O G O D of the spirits of all flesh, naturalize us to Heaven and reconcile us to all the things of that high estate, that so we may not drudge in the world, nor act in a slavish spirit in ways of Religion, but that we may serve TH EE with ingenuity of mind and with freedom of spirit, as those that are set at liberty.

JohnNorden

W e are forced, O FATHER, to seek THEE daily, and T H O U offerest T H YSELF daily to be found; whensoever we seek TH EE we find THEE, in the house, in the fields, in the Temple, and in the highway.

Sir Thomas Browne

Defend me, O G O D , from myself.

JacobBoehme

In TH EE would we lose ourselves utterly; do in us what T H O U wilt.

JacobBoehme

O T H O U great incomprehensible G O D . W h o fillest all, be T H O U indeed my heaven. Let my spirit be indeed the music and the joy of T H Y spirit. Do T H O U make music in me and may 1 make harmony in the Divine Kingdom of T H Y joy, in the great love of G O D , in the wonders of T H Y glory and splendour, in the company of T H Y holy angelic harmonies.

JeremyTaylor

Guide me, O LO RD, in all the changes and varieties of the world; that in all things that shall happen, 1 may have an evenness and tranquillity of spirit; that my soul may be wholly resigned to T H Y divinest will and pleasure, never murmuring at T H Y gentle chastisements and fatherly correction.

Jeremy

TaylorT H O U , O LO RD , art our Defender,

T H O U art our Worship, and the Lifter-up of our heads.

Richard O T H O U Spirit of Life, breathe uponBaxter us T H Y graces in us, take us by the hand

and lift us from earth.

N. Culverwel

ThomasElwood

O my G O D , I'll bless THEE for those eternal treasures that are in T H Y self, though I should never taste of them.

O that mine eyes m ight closed be To what concerns me not to see;That deafness might possess mine ear To what concerns me not to hear;That truth my tongue might always tie From ever speaking foolishly;That no vain thing might ever rest,O r be conceived within my breast; That by each deed and word and

thoughtG lory may to G o d be brought!But what are wishes? LO RD, mine eye O n TH EE is fixed, to TH EE I cry;Wash, LO RD , and purify my heart, A nd make it clean in every part.A nd when 'tis clean, LO RD , keep it, too, For that is more than I can do.

T. Traherne

Mao'amGuyon

O give me grace to see T H Y face and be a constant mirror of ETERNITY.

T H Y creatures wrong THEE, O T H O U S O V 'R E IG N G O O D .

T H O U art not lov'd because not understood.

Molinos

Fenelon

Pascal

Fenelon

Fenelon

Fenelon

G ive me leave, O LO RD, to lament our blindness and ingratitude. W e all live deceived, seeking the foolish world, and forsaking TH EE W h o art our G O D . W e for­sake THEE, the Fountain of Living Waters, for the foul mire of the world.

All we ask is to die rather than live unfaithful to THEE. G ive us not life, if we shall love it too well.

LO RD, I give TH EE all.

G ive to us, T H Y children, that which we ourselves know not to ask. W e would have no other desire than to accomplish T H Y will. Teach us to pray, pray T H O U in us.

O my G O D , preserve me from the fatal slavery that men madly call liberty. W ith TH EE alone is freedom. It is T H Y truth that makes us free. To serve TH EE is true dominion.

LO RD , I know not what I ought to ask of THEE; T H O U only knowest what I need; T H O U lovest me better than 1 know how to love myself. O FATHER, give to T H Y child that which he himself knows not how to ask.

36 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

Fenelon A L M IG H T Y G O D , grant me T H Y grace to be faithful in action, and not anxious about success. M y only concern is to do T H Y will, and to lose myself in TH EE when engaged in duty. It is for TH EE to give my weak efforts such fruits as T H O U seest fit; none, if such be T H Y pleasure.

BrotherLawrence

O LO RD, the sense of T H Y love well- nigh overwhelms me. If it be T H Y will, bestow these many tokens of T H Y loving kindness on those who know TH EE not, to draw them to T H Y service.

Brother

Lawrence

O Loving-Kindness so old and still so new, 1 have been too late in loving THEE.

O LO RD, enlarge the chambers of my heart that 1 may find room for T H Y love.

Sustain me by T H Y Power, lest the fire of T H Y love consume me.

Terstegen Draw near to my heart and inflame if. Touch my uncircumcised lips with a burning coal from T H IN E altar, that 1 may not speak of T H IN E ardent love in a cold or feeble manner.

Ters+egen Let T H Y love so warm our souls, O LO RD , that we may gladly surrender ourselves with all we are and have unto THEE. Let T H Y love fall as fire from heaven upon the altar of our hearts, and teach us to guard it heedfully by continual devotion and quietness of mind.

M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R 37

BenjaminJenks

O LO RD, renew our souls and draw our hearts unto THYSELF, that our work may not be to us a burden but a delight, and give us such a mighty love for TH EE as may sweeten all our obedience. O l let us not serve TH EE with the spirit of bond­age as slaves, but with the cheerfulness and gladness of children, delighting our­selves in TH EE and rejoicing in T H Y work.

BlaisePalma

O A D M IR A B L E W IS D O M , that circlest all eternity, receivest into T H Y SEL F all immensity, and drawest to T H Y SELF all infinity; from the inexhaustible fountain of T H Y light, shed some ray into my soul that 1 may more and more love whatever tends to T H Y glory and honour.

MelchiorRitter

O G O D , in TH EE alone can our wearied souls have full satisfaction and rest, ana1 in T H Y love is the highest joy. LO RD , if we have THEE, we have enough.

JohnWesley

O LO RD , let us not live to be useless. ,

WilliamBlake

Pour upon us T H Y Spirit of meekness and love. Annihilate selfhood in us. Be T H O U all our life.

Newman 1 am born to serve THEE, to be TH INE, to be T H Y instrument. Let me be T H Y blind instrument. 1 ask not to see, ask not to know; 1 ask simply to be used.

Collect from the

18th

Century

Martineau

Holmes

Tagore

G rant us grace to rest from all sinful deeds and thoughts, to surrender ourselves wholly unto THEE, and keep our souls still before TH EE like a still lake, so that the beams of T H Y grace may be mirrored therein, and may kindle in our hearts the glow of faith and love and prayer.

O G O D , W h o hast commanded that no man should be idle, give us grace to employ all our talents and faculties in the service appointed for us; that, whatsoever our hand findeth to do, we may do it with our might. Cheerfully may we go on in the road which T H O U nast marked out, not des/r/ng too earnestly that it should be either more smooth or more wide; but daily seeking our way by T H Y light, may we trust ourselves and the issue of our journey, to TH EE the Fountain of Joy, and sing songs of praise as we go along.

LO RD, what am I, that with unceasing care T H O U didst seek after m e?

If T H O U speakest not, I will fill my heart with T H Y silence and endure it. I will keep still and wait like the night with starry vigil and its head bent low with patience. The morning will surely come, the darkness will vanish, and T H Y voice pour down in golden streams, breaking through the sky.

Whittier Dear G O D and FATH ER of us all, for­give our faith in cruel lies; forgive the blindness that denies; forgive T H Y creature when he takes, for the all-perfect Love T H O U art, some grim creation of his heart.

CharlesKingsley

Exalt us with THEE, O LO RD, to know the mystery of life, that we may use the earthly as the appointed expression and type of the heavenly, and by using to T H Y glory the natural body may befit it to be exalted to the use of the spiritual body.

Chr. G . Rossetti

O LO RD, make us we implore THEE, so to love TH EE that T H O U mayest be to us a Fire of Love, purifying and not destroying.

Chr. G . Rossetti

Love me in sinners and saints,In each who needs or faints— LO RD, 1 will love TH EE as 1 can In every brother man.

Tagore G ive me the strength lightly to bear my joys and sorrows,

G ive me the strength to make my love fruitful in service.

G ive me the strength to raise my mind high above daily trifles,

A nd give me the strength to surrender my strength to T H Y will with love.

_ ...................... .......................................... ...................

R. Kipling

I. W righ t

Beach

FATH ER in heaven, who lovest all,O help T H Y children when they call;

That they may build from age to age,An undefiled heritage.

Teach us to bear T H Y yoke in youth,W ith steadiness and careful truth;

That, in our time, T H Y grace may giveThe truth whereby the nations live.

Teach us to rule ourselves alwayControlled and cleanly, night and

day,That we may bring, if need arise,

No maimed or worthless sacrifice.

Teach us to look in all our endsO n TH EE for judge, and not our

friends,That we, with THEE, may walk uncowed

By fear or favor of the crowd.

Teach us the strength that cannot seek, By deed or thought to hurt the

weak;That under THEE, we may possess

T H Y strength, to succor man's distress.

Teach us delight in simple things,A nd mirth that has no bitter stings;

Forgiveness free of evil done,A nd love to all men 'neath the sun.

Heavenly FATHER, T H O U hast healed me through the sweet restoring influence of divine love and I feel T H Y rich, new life now coursing through my entire body.

M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R 41

K. Tingley O my D IV IN ITY ! T H O U dost blend with the earth and fashion for T H YSELF temples of mighty Power.

O my D IV IN ITY ! T H O U livest in the heart-life of all things and dost radiate a Golden Light that shineth forever and doth illumine even the darkest corners of the earth.

O my D IV IN ITY ! Blend T H O U with me that from the corruptible 1 may become Incorruptible; that from imperfection 1 may become Perfection, that from darkness 1 may go forth in Light.

N. H. D. Let not my dreams of Things 1 hold mostGolden dear

W ords Tie me to earth, but with a vision clear, Help me to build this day, dear L O R D

with THEE,The things which last through all eternity.

Attune my ears to hear T H Y message, LO R D ;

Inspire my lips to speak alone T H Y word. Veil T H O U mine eyes from things 1

should not see,Help me to leave my burdens all with

THEE.

Hindu They who never ask anything but simplyPrayer love, T H O U in their heart abidest for ever,

for this is T H Y very home.

Hindu O ut of the unreal, lead me to the Real.Prayer O ut of the Darkness, lead me into the Light.

O ut of Death, lead me to Deathlessness.

GorseddPrayer

EarlBrihtnoth

Sister E. T. Cawdry

Sister E. T. Cawdry

Grant, G O D , protection A nd in protection, strength A n d in strength, understanding A nd in understanding, knowledge A nd in knowledge, the knowledge of the

just,And in the knowledge of the just, the love

of it,And in the love of it, the love of all

existences.And in the love of all existences, the love

of G O D ,G O D and all G O O D N E S S .

O G O D , I thank TH EE for all the joy I have had in life.

O G O D , T H IN E is the kingdom, the power and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Let us go into the silence; Oh, G O D , our Heavenly FATH ER, before T H Y altar of love we come and in praise and ador­ation we lift up our voices unto THEE. Oh, T H O U great living light of the universe, we T H Y children ask TH EE to grant unto us T H Y richest blessing and to remove all shadow of doubt from our minds as regards the life that awaiteth each one of us when we too shall pass through the gates called death. But we thank THEE, O G O D , that the light of heaven has illumined our Pathway and that T H O U hast given unto us this light that indeed is a living power to sustain and to uphold us at all times.

John W . Chadwick

BeatriceColony

DeanColet

K. S. Guthrie

I do not pray because I would,I pray because I must.

There's no beseeching in my prayer,But thankfulness and trust.

And T H O U wilt hear the thought I mean And not the word I say,

W ilt hear the thanks between the words That only seem to pray.

For health, prosperity and happiness To TH EE I pray,

But most of all a smile to greet The newborn day.

Let not our sins be a cloud between TH EE and us.

O H E A V E N L Y W IS D O M , W h o art the glorious fullness of the rays of Infinite Love and Righteousness, Piety and Justice, Ten­derness and Stern Reproof, we supplicate for T H Y control. W e would not willingly continue stumbling on in our old way. O ur hearts are open to T H Y view; to the utmost are we willing to do Thy will. O that we might not be left unknowingly to leave the Narrow W ay! Not because of the suffering which we willingly accept from T H Y dear Hand, but the withdrawing of T H Y dear Face. W e will do our best; it shall be only for lack of Guidance if we fail to do T H Y Will. Amen.

* m *

U

44 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

Walter

Da VoeIn divinest self surrender,0 my LO RD, 1 come to THEE, All my life to TH EE 1 render;1 will T H IN E almoner be.

W alter

De VoeSun of my Soul, T H O U S A V IO R D E A R I It is not night if T H O U be near.O may no earth-born cloud arise To hide TH EE from T H Y servant's eyes.

CharlesHow

M ost great and glorious G O D , be g ra ­ciously pleased, 1 most humbly beseech THEE, to make the stream of my will per­petually to flow a cheerful and impetuous course, bearing down pleasure, interest, afflictions, death, and all other obstacles and impediments whatsoever, before it, till it plunge itself joyfully into the un­fathomable ocean of T H Y D IV IN E W ILL .

Lady Margery

Kempe

of Lynn

L O R D for T H Y great goodness, have mercy on my wickedness, as certainly 1 was never so wicked as T H O U art good, nor never may be though 1 would; for T H O U art so good that T H O U mayest no better be.

LouisLisener

Holy Spirit!G ive me a clear mind,A pure heart,A contrite spirit,A nd a healthy body. Amen.

RichardRolle

GrenvilleKleiser

FrancisRous

W hen so it liketh THEE, love speaks send T H O U me; make mine heart all hot to be,

burning in the love of THEE.

If I can do some good today,If I can serve along life's way,If I can something helpful say,

LO RD , show me how!If I can right a human wrong,If I can help to make one strong, If I can cheer with smile or song,

LO RD, show me how!If I can aid one in distress,If I can make a burden less,If I can spread more happiness,

LO RD , show me how!If I can do a kindly deed,If I can help someone in need,If I can sow a fruitful seed,

LO RD, show me how!If I can feed a hungry heart,If I can give a better start,If I can fill a nobler part,

LO RD , show me how!

Let my love rest in nothing short of THEE, O G O D . Kindle and inflame and enlarge my love. Enlarge the arteries and conduit-pipes by which T H O U , the Head and Fountain of Love, flowest in T H Y mem­bers, that being abundantly quickened and watered with the Spirit I may abundantly love THEE. Put T H IN E own image and beauty more and more on my soul.

46 M Y S T I C S A T P R A Y E R

Van.Cooper-

Mathieson

O great FA T H ER — M O T H E R G O D . T H Y eternal Life is my life.T H Y infinite W isdom guides me.T H Y wondrous Intelligence illumines my

mind.T H Y glorious Substance feeds me.T H Y perfect Health is revealed in me. T H Y infinite Power upholds me.T H Y almighty Strength is my support. T H Y unchanging Love surrounds me. T H Y eternal Truth has made me free. T H Y perfect Peace broods over me.

Grace B. Norris

D IV IN E LOVE, PR INC IPLE, G O D of love, 1 pray;

G u ide me in the way of Truth Tenderly, today.W e ed my heart of weariness, scatter

every care.Teach me how to know the truth: Love is everywhere.

F. W . Scott T H Y glory alone, O G O D , be the end of all that we say;

Let it shine in every deed, let it kindle the prayers that 1 pray;

Let it burn in my innermost soul till the shadow of self pass away,

A nd the light of T H Y glory, O G O D , be unveiled in the dawning of day.

Scupoli Behold T H Y creature; do with me what T H O U wilt. 1 have nothing, my G O D , that holds me back. 1 am T H IN E alone.

c. S.

Tirpenting

E. C. W ilson

A L M IG H T Y LIFE! T H O U F O R C E that bides with all,

Awake my soul to see and use T H Y might,A nd give me strength to heed T H Y daily

call,To walk with TH EE in paths of truth and

right.

Absolve me from all vain and useless thought

That clouds the vision o f my daily task,A nd help me labor in the field I oughtTill I can do for self the things I ask.

T H O U art my harbor and my fortress too.In T H Y strong arms support me on my

way.If T H O U and I shall guard the things I doI know I shall be safe by night and day.

TomorrowI am content to leave with him W h o gives today For today the sun smiles And the earth responds,A n d a twinkling, singing sea Forms lacy patterns on the sand. O, G O D ,I am grateful For this day!

M. S. F. Dear FATHER, we thank TH EE for this beautiful world.

Henry T H O U SU N of R IG H T E O U S N E S S withVaughan healing under T H Y wings, arise in my heart;

make T H Y light there to shine in darkness, and a perfect day in the dead of night.

Walter

De VoeThe Prayer of faith shall heal the sick.

Michael W ithin T H Y Heart, O H O L Y O N E of W ood G O D ,

M ake us to rest;W ithin T H Y still and changeless Heart,

O LO RD,Not on T H Y Breast.

T H O U wiliest It shall tremble with our woes, Renouncing peace.

Feeling our joys that we may find our home, W here dreams shall cease.

W ithin T H Y Heart may we find earthly shows

Close garner'd there by THEE;The saints we honour'd, sinners whom we

lov'dW e in T H Y Heart shall see.

W ithin the still and changeless Light of Truth,

The W isdom from above,W e shall give honour where we lov'd and

wept,A nd to the honour'd— love.

Geibel Strecke die Hand nur empor im Gebet,G O T T fasst sie von oben,

Und die Beruhrung durchstromt dich mit geheiligter Kraft.

L. O . S.

Anonymous

Emerson

FA T H E R — M O T H E R — S O N in O N E ,From our inmost hearts we plead For power to love unselfishly,For wisdom to perceive aright,For courage to pursue a righteous course, For determination of purpose, and For will to act according to T H Y will.

T H Y love provides for all T H Y substance feeds all T H Y Purify clothes all T H Y life preserves all Thanksgiving, honor, praise, and glory

to THEE,Evermore. Amen.

Universal G O D ,O ur Life,O u r Light,O u r Power!T H O U art in All beyond expression and

beyond conception.0 Nature! T H O U something from

nothing T H O U Symbol of W isdom !In myself I am nothing, In TH EE I am I.1 live in THEE; 1, made of nothing; Live T H O U in me and bring me out of

the region of self Into the E T ER N A L L IG HT.

Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of Life from the highest Point of view.

1 50 M Y S T I C S AT P R A Y E R

EdwardRowland

Sill

G O D be merciful to me, a fool.

Belle-May Prayer brings us into harmony with the highest in nature.

f

Lamartine Prierel 0 voix surnaturelle Qu i nous precipite a genoux; Instinct du ciel qui nous rappelle Q ue la patrie est loin de nous.

JehudahHalevi

Incline Thou mine heartTo do the service of Thy kingdom,A nd my thoughtMake pure for knowledge of Thy Godship.

RSolomon

ibn Gabirol

..............

In the flood of Thy love 1 have rapture eternal

And prayer is but an occasion for praise.

Talmud M ay it be Thy will, O God, that we return to Thee in perfect penitance, so that we may not be ashamed to meet our fathers in the life to come.

V V V

THE R O S IC R U C IA N L IBRARY

Vol. f. Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete History of the Order

The story of the Rosicrucian ideals, traditions, activities, and accomplishments is told interestingly in this book, and the scores of questions form a small encyclopedia of knowledge. Over 300 pages, printed on fine book paper, bound in green silk, and stamped in gold. P rice $2.00 per copy, postpaid.

Vo). II. Rosicrucian Principles for the Hom e and Business

A very practical book dealing w ith the solution of health, financial, and business problems in the home and office. W ell printed and bound in red silk, stamped w ith gold. Price $2.00 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. Ill, The Mystical Lite of Jesus

A rare account of the Cosmic preparation, birth, secret studies, mission, crucifixion, and later life of the Great Master, from the records of the Essene and Rosicrucian Brotherhoods. A book that is demanded in foreign lands as the most talked-about revelation of Jesu3 ever made. Over 300 pages, beautifully illustrated, bound in purple silk, stamped in gold. Price $2.25 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. V. "U n to Thee I Grant . . ."

A strange book prepared from a secret manuscript found in the monastery o f Tibet. It is filled w ith the most sublime teachings of the ancient M asters of the F ar East. The book has had many editions. W ell printed with attractive, stiff cover. Price $1.25 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. VI. A Thousand Years of Yesterdays

A beautiful story of reincarnation and m ystic lessons. T his un­usual book has been translated and sold in many languages and is universally endorsed. W ell printed w ith attractive, stiff cover. Price 85 cents per copy, postpaid.

Vol. VII. Self Mastery and Fate with the Cycles of Life

A new and astounding system of determ ining your fortunate and unfortunate hours, weeks, months, and years throughout your life. No mathematics required. B etter than any system of numerology or astrology. Bound in silk, stamped w ith gold. Price $2.00 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. VIII. Rosicrucian Manual

Most complete outline of the rules, regulations, and operation of lodge3 and student work of the Order, w ith many interesting articles, biographies, explanations, and complete D irectory of Rosicrucian terms and words. V ery completely illustrated. A necessity to every student who wishes to progress rapidly, and a guide to all seekers. W ell printed and bound in silk, stamped w ith gold. Price $2.00 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. XI. Mansions of the Soul, The Cosmic Conception

The complete doctrines of reincarnation explained. This book makes reincarnation easily understood. W ell illustrated, bound in silk, stamped in gold, extra large. Price $2.20 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. XII. Lemuria— The Lost Continent of the Pacific

A fascinating revelation of the m ystics and m ysteries of a for­gotten civilization. Read of the living descendants of these people, whose expansive nation now lies at the bottom of the Pacific. B eautifully bound, well printed, and contains many il­lustrations. Price $2.20, postpaid.

Volume XIII. The Technique of the Master

The newest and simplest explanation for attaining the state of Cosmic Consciousness— a masterful work on psychic unfold- ment. It is well bound in cloth, with deckled and tinted edged paper. Price, postage prepaid, $2.00.

Volume XIV. The Symbolic Prophecy of the Great Pyramid

This book is a vivid portrayal of one of the greatest mysteries of the ages— The Great Pyram id. It is illustrated with drawings and charts, well printed and beautifully bound. Price, postage prepaid, $2.00.

Volume XV. The Book of Jasher

Here is a photographic reproduction of a sacred book which should have been included with the other books of the Bible but was withheld. Read its fascinating history. The book is bound in its original style and is priced at $2.00 a copy, postage prepaid.

Volume XVI. The Technique of the Disciple

This book contains a modern description of the ancient esoteric path to spiritual illum ination and the method fo r attain in g a greater life taught in the m ystery schools. Handsomely bound and stamped in gold. Price $2.00, postage prepaid.

I N D E X{ ‘ Indicates Rosicrucian authority )

Alcuin,* Archbishop, English Theologian.735-804, A . D .................................. 22

Andrewes, Bishop of Frissli. 1302-1373, A. D — 28Angela of Foligno, Blessed Mystic. 1309, A. D. 27Anselm, St., Archbishop of Canterbury,

1033-1109, A. D ................. 21-22Augustine, St., Apostle of the English.

7-604, A. D.„...... 19-20-21Babylonian Prayer. From the Religious Beliefs in

Babylonia and Assyria.................................. 14Basil, St., Christian Martyr. 316 A. D .............. 17Baxter, Richard, English Nonconformistical Priest.

1615-1691, A. D ........... 34Beach, I. Wright, Author of "U n ity "................. 40Bernard, St., Fr. Ecclesiastic. 1091-I 153, A. D. 23Bernardine, St., of Sienna, Franciscan Friar.

1380-1444, A. D— ............ 28Blake,* William, English Artist, Poet, and Mystic.

1757-1827, A . D ................ 37Blasius, St., Bishop of Sebaste and Martyr.

316, A. D ............................ 18Boehme,* Jacob, German Mystic and Rosicru­

cian. 1624, A. D.„........... 33Book of the Dead. O ld Egyptian Book of

Mysteries............ 14Brithnoth, Earl, Mystic. Data unknown.............. 42Browne, Sir Thomas. English Philosopher.

1605-1682, A. D .„ ............. 33Catherine of Sienna, Christian Mystic.

1314-1380, A. D ............ 28Cawdry, Sister E. T. An African Mystic 42Chadwick, John W., American Author............. 43Christian Prayers, Book of, 1566, A. D ............ 32Chrysostom, St., Greek Father of the Church,

born in Syria, 347-409, A. D ................ 17-18

Colet, Dean, Mystic. Data unknown.................Collect, from the 6th and 18th Centuries........Colony, Beatrice, Author ............. ..........Coptic Apocrypha. The Book of the Resurrec­

tion of Jesus Christ, by Bartholomew —Culverwel, R.t Cam bridge Platonist.

16)8-1651, A. D .........................................Cusa, Nicholas de, Cardinal, 1401-1464, A. D.Dante,* Mystical Poet. 1265-1321, A. D ..........DeVoe, Walter, American Mystic, Founder of

the Eloist Ministry.....................................Elwood, Thomas, English Mystic about 1639,

A. D ...... .......................................Ephrem, St., The Syrian Teacher of the Church

and Hymndfst. 306-378, A. D .....................Erasmus, Dutch Scholar. 1466-1536, A. D .......Erigena, John Scotus, Scot Philosopher in

France. 875, A. D .........................Fenelon, Francois de Salignac, Archbishop of

Cambrai. Author. I 651-17 15, A. D ..........Francis, St. of Sales, Christian Saint.

1567-1665, A. D .............................. ..........Friend of G O D ,* from the "Oberland.” The un­

known chief of a religious union from the14th Century.............................................

Gelasian Sacramentary. Gelasius, Bishop ofCaesarea, about 476, A. D .........................

Gabirol, Solomon ibn, Poet and Philosopher1020-1070 A. D ................................- .......

Golden W ord of N. H. D ..............................Gorsedd Prayer ............................................Guthrie, Kenneth Sylvan, Modern American

Author and Mystic .................................Guyon, Madam Jeanna Maria de la Motte,

Mystic, one of the Founders of the Quietism.1648-1717, A. D .........................................

Halevi, Jehudah, Hebrew Poet, 1085-1 140 A. D. Hildegarde, St., German Mystic, died I 179, A. D. Hindu Prayers................................................

Holmes, Oliver, American Physician and Author.1809-1 894, A. D .................. _ ..... 38

How, Charles, American Author ................ 44Ignatius, St. Loyola. Founder of the Society of

Jesus. 1491-1556, A. D ........................ 29-31

Jacobite Liturgy. 3rd century. The Jacobites, a name of the Monophysites. Monophysites were those who maintain that there was buta single nature in Christ........... ............— 16

Jalalud din Rumi, an Arabian Poet and Mystic.Born 1270, A. D .......................................... 25

Jenks, Benjamin, Mystic from the 17th century. 37Jesus Christ, The Messiah, The Saviour.......... 17John, St., of the Cross. Spanish Mystic.

1542-1591, A. D .............................. 31-32Julian, Roman Emperor, called "The Apostate."

Neoplatonist. 31 1-363, A. D ........................ 15Julian, Lady of Norwich. Mystic.

1342-1442, A. D ..................................... 28Kashf-Al-Mahjup. The oldest Persian treatise on

Sufism.............. 24Kempe of Lynn, Lady Margery. Data unknown. 44Kingsley, Charles, English Clergyman and Novel­

ist. 1819-1875, A. D ................. 39Kipling, Rudyard, English Author.

1865-1936 ............................................. 40Kleiser, Grenville, Teacher of Oratory............. 45Lawrence, Brother, Christian Mystic.

1666-1691, A . D ............... 36Leonine Sacramentary. 5th Century. Citta

Leonina, a part of the ancient Roma........... 19Lisener, Louis, American Author.................. 44Liturgy of the Greek Church, 3rd Century 17Liturgy of St. Mark, 2nd Century..................... 17Manasses, King of Juda. He reigned 697-642,

B.C. (The Apocrypha of the O ld Testament.) 15Martineau, James, Unitarian Divine and M eta­

physician. 1805-1900, A. D ................ 38

Mathiesen,* Veni Cooper, Australian Author.... 46

Mohammed. Arabian Founder of Islam.570-632, A. D ........... 19

Molinos.* Spanish Christian Mystic.1640-1697, A. D .................................. 35

More, Dame Gertrude, Christian Mystic."The Nun." 1256-1291, A. D ............................ 24

Mozarabic Liturgy. Mozarab, a member of cer­tain ancient congregations of Spanish Chris­tians which existed under the Moors and hada liturgy of their own .............................. 24

Newman, John Henry, English Cardinal andAuthor. 1801-1890, A. D .......................... 37

Norden, John, Mystic of the 16th Century 33Norris, Grace B., Author ...................... 46Palma, Blaise, Mystic of the 17th Century 37Pascal, Blaise, French Philosopher and Mathe­

matician. 1623-1662, A. D ..................... 35Patrick, St., Christian Saint, Apostle of Ireland. 18Pericles, Athenian Statesman. 495-429, B. C 15Psalm. One of the O ld Testament Hymns 14Richard, St., Bishop of Chichester. Died 1253. 24Ritter, Melchoir, Mystic of the 17th Century 37Rolle, Richard, Hermit of Hampole..................... 45Rossetti, Christiana Georgina, Sister of Dei

Grata. English Poet. 1830-1894, A. D 39Rous,* Francis, a Cromwellian Mystic.............. 45Ruysbroeck,* Jan van., Dutch Mystic.

1293-1381, A . D .... 26Sarum Breviary, 4th Century. O ld Sarum (Sor-

diodunum) near Salisbury, was the residenceof the Saxon Kings ....................................... 18

Savonarola.* Christian Martyr. 1452-1498, A. D. 29Scott, F, W., English Author............................ 46Scupoli, Mystic, Da fa unknown.................... 46Socrates. Athenian Philosopher, 469-399 B .C . 16Sill, Edward Rowland, American Poet and

Author, 1841-1887, A. D ................ 50

Sufi. Sufism, a system of Mohammedan mys­ticism, developed especially in Persia 26

Synesius, Bishop, Christo Neoplatonist, Friendof Hypatia. 370-415, A. D ........................ 18-19

Syrian Clementine Liturgy. 1st Century.......... 14Tagore, Rabindranath, Bengali Poet and Mystic.

Born 1861, A. D .......................................... 38-39Talmud, Selection from.................................... 50Tauler,* John, Christian Mystic. 1290-1 361, A. D. 27Taylor, Jeremy, Bishop and Author.

1613-1667, A. D ......................................... 33Teresa, St., Christian Mystic. 1515-1 582, A. D. 30-31

Terstegen, Gerhard, Poet and Ascet.1697-1769, A. D .............................. _......... 36

Theoiogia Germanfca,* a tractatus in 54 chap­ters containing the teachings of the Friendsof G O D ..................................................... 30

Thomas,* St. Aquinas, Christian Priest and M ys­tic, called "The Angelical Doctor."1225-1274, A. D - ......... 23

Thomas a Kempis,* Christian Mystic.1380-1471, A. D ........................................ 28-29-30

Tingley, Katherine, President of the AmericanTheosophical Society. 1930, A. D 41

Tirpenting. C. S., Author - ....................... 47Traherne, T., Cam bridge Platonist.

1637-1674, A. D ......................................... 34Vaughan,* Henry, Mystic ................... 48Wesley, John, Divine and Founder of

Methodism. 1703-1791, A. D ..................... 37Whichcote, Benjamin, Cam bridge Platonist.

1609-1683, A. D ................. 32Whittier, John Greenleaf, American Poet 39Wilson, E. C., American Writer and Philosopher. 47W ood, Michael, English Poet and W riter 48Zoroaster, Founder of Ancient Persian Religion,

about 732, B. C .......................................... 16

M M