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Madame Guyon: A Short and Easy Method of Prayer
"Madame Guyon: A Short and Easy Method of Prayer" is an excellent book that shows how Christians are called to prayer, even if those prayers are short. This classic book teaches the importance of respectful silence in prayer, seeking God in fidelity in love, patience in prayer, collecting yourself inwardly, and total abandonment of self to God. Shortly after Madame Guyon wrote this book, she was imprisoned for 7 years because her prayer styles unsettled the established church of the time. In her own words, Madame Guyon's goal was to "to induce the world to love God and to serve Him with comfort and success, in a simple and easy manner." Little did she know that after her death in 1717 her little treatise would be published and read all over the world. Today Madame Guyon's book reminds us that God wants us to take time with him and let His word penetrate into our heart, by praying and then silently listening and waiting on God to speak to our hearts.
62 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
302 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Guyon
384 books105 followersJeanne Marie Bouvières de la Mothe Guyon (commonly known as Madame Guyon) was the leader of the Quietist movement in France. The foundation of her Quietism was laid in her study of St. Francis de Sales, Madame de Chantal, and Thomas a Kempis. At age 16, she married Jacques Guyon, a wealthy man of weak health, 22 years her senior. Until his death in 1676, her life was an unhappy one, partly due to the difference in their ages, and partly due to a tyrannical mother-in-law. Her public career as an evangelist of Quietism began soon after her widowhood.
Her first labors were spent in the diocese of Geneva, at Anecy, Gex, and Thonon, and in Grenoble. In 1686 she went to Paris, where she was at first imprisoned for her opinions, in the Convent of St. Marie in the Faubourg St. Antoine; she was released after eight months at the insistence of Madame de Maintenon. She then rose to the zenith of her fame. Her life at all times greatly fascinated those around her; the court, Madame de Maintenon, and Madame de Maintenon’s College of Ladies at Cyr, came under the spell of her enthusiasm. But the affinity of her doctrines with those of Michael Molinos, who was condemned in 1685, soon worked against her.
Her opinions were condemned by a commission, of which Bossuet was president. She then incurred Bossuet’s displeasure by breaking the promises she had made to him to maintain a quiet attitude and not return to Paris. She was imprisoned at Vincennes in December 1695, and the next year moved to Vaugirard, under a promise to avoid all receptions and correspondence, except by special permission. In 1698, she was imprisoned in the Bastille for four years. She spent the remainder of her life in retirement with her daughter, the Marquise de Bois, at Blois. She had numerous visitors of all ranks, some from foreign countries, and had a considerable correspondence. Her works fill some 40 volumes. (less)
Her first labors were spent in the diocese of Geneva, at Anecy, Gex, and Thonon, and in Grenoble. In 1686 she went to Paris, where she was at first imprisoned for her opinions, in the Convent of St. Marie in the Faubourg St. Antoine; she was released after eight months at the insistence of Madame de Maintenon. She then rose to the zenith of her fame. Her life at all times greatly fascinated those around her; the court, Madame de Maintenon, and Madame de Maintenon’s College of Ladies at Cyr, came under the spell of her enthusiasm. But the affinity of her doctrines with those of Michael Molinos, who was condemned in 1685, soon worked against her.
Her opinions were condemned by a commission, of which Bossuet was president. She then incurred Bossuet’s displeasure by breaking the promises she had made to him to maintain a quiet attitude and not return to Paris. She was imprisoned at Vincennes in December 1695, and the next year moved to Vaugirard, under a promise to avoid all receptions and correspondence, except by special permission. In 1698, she was imprisoned in the Bastille for four years. She spent the remainder of her life in retirement with her daughter, the Marquise de Bois, at Blois. She had numerous visitors of all ranks, some from foreign countries, and had a considerable correspondence. Her works fill some 40 volumes. (less)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 19, 2014
Dallas Willard is viewed by many as a modern-day prophet for interior spiritual formation over exterior behaviour modification. Dallas often said that his ideas were not new and challenged his readers to examine ancient writers of centuries past to discover the foundational ideas on which he based his teaching. Few ancient writings capture the essence of his ideas better than this little book.
This book is not simply a treatise on spiritual formation, but also a masterpiece on the simplicity of centering prayer and a guide to a number of other important elements of the contemplative path.
Guyon was a French mystic and Quietest, considered a heretic in her day by the Catholic Church. After publishing this book, Guyon was imprisoned from 1695-1703. It is an eerie anticipation of the present day rejection of teachers like Dallas Willard by many in the evangelical church. Prophetic for the 21st century were Guyon's challenging words spoken to the pastors and teachers of her day:
"If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the occupation of the heart in him . . .
O when once the heart is gained , how easily is all moral evil corrected! It is, therefore, that God above all things requires the heart. It is the conquest of the heart alone that can extirpate those dreadful vices which are so predominant, such as drunkenness, blasphemy, lewdness, envy, and theft. Jesus Christ would become the universal and peaceful Sovereign and the face of the church would be wholly renewed.
The decay of internal piety is unquestionably the source of the various errors that have arisen in the church; all which would speedily be sapped and overthrown should inward religion be re-established . . .
O how inexpressibly great is the loss sustained by mankind from the neglect of the interior life!"
This book is not simply a treatise on spiritual formation, but also a masterpiece on the simplicity of centering prayer and a guide to a number of other important elements of the contemplative path.
Guyon was a French mystic and Quietest, considered a heretic in her day by the Catholic Church. After publishing this book, Guyon was imprisoned from 1695-1703. It is an eerie anticipation of the present day rejection of teachers like Dallas Willard by many in the evangelical church. Prophetic for the 21st century were Guyon's challenging words spoken to the pastors and teachers of her day:
"If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the occupation of the heart in him . . .
O when once the heart is gained , how easily is all moral evil corrected! It is, therefore, that God above all things requires the heart. It is the conquest of the heart alone that can extirpate those dreadful vices which are so predominant, such as drunkenness, blasphemy, lewdness, envy, and theft. Jesus Christ would become the universal and peaceful Sovereign and the face of the church would be wholly renewed.
The decay of internal piety is unquestionably the source of the various errors that have arisen in the church; all which would speedily be sapped and overthrown should inward religion be re-established . . .
O how inexpressibly great is the loss sustained by mankind from the neglect of the interior life!"
January 13, 2018
A good little book on the simplicity of coming to God in prayer. Her metaphors for the different aspects of prayer will leave you thinking for days.
August 10, 2022
The question is probably not whether her method is easy or hard, but rather whether we can dispense with at least some of the levels of distraction that dominate us.
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November 12, 2025I wanted to read this book because I have been exploring more about Christian mysticism and meditation. Quietism was a movement within catholicism in the 17th century that taught that the soul should be wholly consumed by the Divine within, and the method of reaching this was through sitting earnestly yet silently in God’s presence. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross were proponents of Quietism. The Catholic church at the time was not, however, and Quietism was declared to be heretical. Jeanne Guyon was imprisoned for 8 years for publishing this book…imagine being so convinced of the importance of your message that you would go to prison for it.
I have read The Way of Perfection by Teresa of Avila and thought A Short Method of Prayer is very similar in its concepts. It is shorter and more approachable, so I would recommend it over Teresa’s book if you are curious about the practice of “quiet” prayer.
The teaching that hit me the most this time round is about the direction of prayer. If God dwells within us and our bodies are God’s temple, then we should posture ourselves to seek God inwardly. Versus seeing God as “out there” in the clouds? in space? and imagining our prayers floating on the wind to reach him. It’s a simple visualization but I think it can make a difference in how I see the importance of prayer. When God is “out there” above us somewhere it implies that he is hearing a constant stream of chatter from all the millions of prayers that are rising up from earth. He is just kind of sitting up there, relatively unengaged with any one person as an individual. Since he is getting so much noise, and besides, he already knows everything, why even bother praying? And if we do get God’s blessing, the visualization is like anointing oil being poured on our head, again something outside of the body and above us is doing a limited action to us. But if we see God as within us, then his blessing comes from inside like an underground spring bubbling up. The spring is always there and according to Guyon and Teresa, our spiritual practice of the presence of God can widen that spring to a river that we can float on to join the sea.
I have read The Way of Perfection by Teresa of Avila and thought A Short Method of Prayer is very similar in its concepts. It is shorter and more approachable, so I would recommend it over Teresa’s book if you are curious about the practice of “quiet” prayer.
The teaching that hit me the most this time round is about the direction of prayer. If God dwells within us and our bodies are God’s temple, then we should posture ourselves to seek God inwardly. Versus seeing God as “out there” in the clouds? in space? and imagining our prayers floating on the wind to reach him. It’s a simple visualization but I think it can make a difference in how I see the importance of prayer. When God is “out there” above us somewhere it implies that he is hearing a constant stream of chatter from all the millions of prayers that are rising up from earth. He is just kind of sitting up there, relatively unengaged with any one person as an individual. Since he is getting so much noise, and besides, he already knows everything, why even bother praying? And if we do get God’s blessing, the visualization is like anointing oil being poured on our head, again something outside of the body and above us is doing a limited action to us. But if we see God as within us, then his blessing comes from inside like an underground spring bubbling up. The spring is always there and according to Guyon and Teresa, our spiritual practice of the presence of God can widen that spring to a river that we can float on to join the sea.
February 25, 2012
Obviously the author understood a deeper prayer that what she writes about. In this little book she is simply trying to make the reader aware of different aspects of prayer and only "hints" at the depth that is possible. She has some very interesting thoughts on suffering which readers can really get some great insight on yet another aspect of prayer. This is a great book for anyone who wants to understand more about prayer, but it is not intended to actually go into the practice of prayer or even much more than touching on what might be possible in prayer. Yet no matter how advanced we might think we are in prayer this book has something to offer us.
She also talks about self abandonment and there is a good book on this by Fr. J. P. deCaussade, SJ entitled "Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence" and goes into much depth. The book with his letters is the best one. And she touches on Prayer of Heart also. A book that goes into details on this prayer is by George A. Maloney entitled "Prayer of the Heart."
Use this book as a starting spot but don't stop with it.
She also talks about self abandonment and there is a good book on this by Fr. J. P. deCaussade, SJ entitled "Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence" and goes into much depth. The book with his letters is the best one. And she touches on Prayer of Heart also. A book that goes into details on this prayer is by George A. Maloney entitled "Prayer of the Heart."
Use this book as a starting spot but don't stop with it.
June 5, 2020
It was after reading and talking about Madame Guyon that someone first called me a Christian Mystic. That term probably has all sorts of connotations depending on how it's used, but if it means someone who loves God, loves to experience God, loves communing with the Spirit of God, and knows that God does not live in a little box, that's me. One's faith cannot be static, not if it's living. And it can't be comprised of just what you've been told by others. True spirituality is something you live and breathe. It becomes a part of you and it forms you. And, yes, it's something you'd die for. It's that important. I think Madame Guyon was this sort of person, and I know I am.
July 11, 2014
good short thoughts on praying. some very valuable, some just ok if not naive in their use of scripture yet holding it without study but only devotionally. yes, I understand the difference and many points, particularly early in the book, are extremely good. later, it's as if she's trying to defend the approach of those using "reason."
format if this kindle version could use updating to make it more readable.
format if this kindle version could use updating to make it more readable.
February 9, 2016
Some good thoughts on prayer, but more experiential than biblically based and hard to follow. The author also presents a skewed understanding of sanctification overemphasizing surrender to God and letting Him do all the work to the neglect of our part of "working out our own salvation." There are other books on prayer that cover what she does, but more clearly and accurately (i.e. The Pathway of Prayer by Chadwick).
January 18, 2023
A Visit With a Great Woman
I'd read about her and read some quotes. I knew she was imprisoned for some years mostly because of this book, so I had to read it. I finally checked and discovered it was available for Kindle. I was excited. I am thankful that I got to sit at her knee, so to speak. In my opinion, she is primarily teaching Lectio Divina, what became known as Centering Prayer, and contemplation. She was something of a spiritual pioneer in her day.
I'd read about her and read some quotes. I knew she was imprisoned for some years mostly because of this book, so I had to read it. I finally checked and discovered it was available for Kindle. I was excited. I am thankful that I got to sit at her knee, so to speak. In my opinion, she is primarily teaching Lectio Divina, what became known as Centering Prayer, and contemplation. She was something of a spiritual pioneer in her day.
November 5, 2016
Pray
Very well written and a lot of information about Prayers. Very interesting and knowledgeable writing. Back up with scriptures to aid us. I only had one minor problem some of the words were something I didn't know. I did learn a lot and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more on the method of prayers.
Very well written and a lot of information about Prayers. Very interesting and knowledgeable writing. Back up with scriptures to aid us. I only had one minor problem some of the words were something I didn't know. I did learn a lot and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more on the method of prayers.
January 29, 2017
If you are interested in the subject this is a source book.
It starts out great and is on a roll until half way in where it strays into peripheral subjects that didn't engage me as well as the first part.
Having said that the first part is essential reading, well worth the read.
It starts out great and is on a roll until half way in where it strays into peripheral subjects that didn't engage me as well as the first part.
Having said that the first part is essential reading, well worth the read.
May 2, 2020
I think that this is a really interesting work that has some thoughtful points for reflection and discussion (debate?) of the Christian's spiritual life. I read it rather quickly for a class I'm teaching, but get the sense that it is much better to read and savor bit by bit.
November 7, 2024
This 100 page tract took me over a year to finish, when I could have knocked it out in one day. By way of recommendation, this is one of those projects that you shouldn't read until you have the burning desire to improve your personal prayers.
Funny how that hit me just before the election.
I am grateful to my LDS church leader for recommending it to me. It was worth the wait. I already feel a refreshed perspective on my relationship with my Maker.
Funny how that hit me just before the election.
I am grateful to my LDS church leader for recommending it to me. It was worth the wait. I already feel a refreshed perspective on my relationship with my Maker.
January 26, 2020
For me a 4 and not a 5 only due to challenges in readability, which is probably due to some combination of the translation and writing style. But very insightful in terms of silence during prayer. It resonated very much with my own emerging realizations about prayer and its foundation in the Christian walk. Now it’s time to get her bio! :)
August 12, 2024
What a wonderful little book! It’s so beautifully written, so full of love for God, and so simple yet so instructive. If you don’t mind the sometimes complicated language I’d say it’s the perfect book on contemplative prayer. It’s slow reading but worth it - I’m going to be reading this book over and over again!
November 14, 2020
This was complex for me even though it was short. This book is like trying to solve the Rubik’s cube. Most of the time it lost me. She seemed kind of mixed up as to understanding God’s sovereignty. Her humility was very touching.
February 11, 2019
NOT easy
April 10, 2019
Insights on mediation can be adopted. The idea of complete passivity fails to comprehend the fulfil Scriptural teaching. Still worth reading for the desire for God, and the emphasis on illumination.
May 10, 2020
Somewhat
March 18, 2021
Unable to finish
August 17, 2021
So simple and beautiful. It's easy and uncomplicated which is probably why most will never try it.
September 6, 2023
This was good as an audiobook but I feel like I can't give it a full review until I read it more slowly in written form. My guess is I blew through a lot of gems.
May 21, 2024
Great book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl4br...
August 13, 2025
A very poetic translation. I’ve been on a long quest to find thinkers in the Christian tradition that I resonate with. So far? Guyon, Kierkegaard, and Jung. An amazing book!
January 12, 2023
Deux sortes de personnes se taisent: l'une pour n'avoir rien à dire, et l'autre pour en avoir trop.
Quantité de personnes se sont figuré la dévotion si affreuse et l'oraison si extraordinaire qu'ils n'ont point voulu travailler à leur acquisition, désespérant d'en venir à bout. Mais comme la difficulté que l'on se fait d'une chose cause le désespoir d'y pouvoir réussir et ôte en même temps le désir de l'entreprendre, et que lorsque on se propose une chose comme avantageuse et qu'il est aisé d'obtenir, on s'y donne avec plaisir et on la poursuit avec hardiesse, c'est ce qui a obligé de faire voir et l'avantage et la facilité de cette voie.
Il ne faut qu'un peu de courage et de persévérance. On en a tant pour de petits intérêts temporels et on n'en a point pour l'unique nécessaire.
Mais je conviens que tous ne peuvent pas méditer et très peu y sont propres.
Il est de grande conséquence de ne se point inquiéter pour les défauts, parce que l'inquiétude ne vient que d'un orgueil secret et d'un amour de notre excellence.
L'esprit de l'homme est turbulent et inquiet: c'est pourquoi il fait peu, quoiqu'il paraisse faire beaucoup.
Cependant les personnes qui ne s'y connaissent pas, voyant un or épuré couvert de crasse au-dehors, en feront moins de cas que d'un or grossier, très impur dont le dehors sera poli.
Celui qui cherche Dieu sans vouloir quitter le péché ne Le trouve point, parce qu'il Le cherche où Il n'est pas.
Pour la pratique, elle doit être de perdre sans cesse toute volonté propre dans la volonté de Dieu, renoncer à toutes les inclinations particulières, quelques bonnes qu'elles paraissent, sitôt qu'on les sent naître, pour se mettre dans l'indifférence et ne vouloir que ce que Dieu a voulu dès son éternité. Être indifférent à toutes choses, soit pour le corps soit pour l'âme, pour les biens temporels et éternels. Laisser le passé dans l'oubli, l'avenir à la Providence, et donner le présent à Dieu.
June 17, 2017
When I read Madame Guyon's autobiography years ago, I struggled to reconcile her joy with the pain and sorrow she endured. I have rarely heard such a sad life story. I understand it better now. She found God in her struggles. She discovered His love. And became an expert on prayer. Now that I've read this book, I appreciate all that she learned because she has taken me deeper into a life with God. I look forward to meeting her in heaven. I think we'll have some good conversations.
May 8, 2011
After reading the first seven chapters, I skimmed the rest of the book. Having read several other books by Jeanne Guyon, I found this one was much like the others, meaning I probably would have liked it if it was all new to me.
February 19, 2012
Written by French mystic Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-guyon (1648-1717), this is a translation of her work which was eventually banned by the Church. It describes her method
of connecting with God which was also eventually seen as heretical.
of connecting with God which was also eventually seen as heretical.
November 8, 2015
Talks about self-love and the self. How to become closer to God we need to learn to deny ourselves. Also mentions the matter of meditating on His word and praying His word. Focus on quality of prayer - until the soul has no feeling then move on. Don’t cut the enjoymnet of that Word short.
May 24, 2021
Do not merely read this book to check it off a list; otherwise you have missed the whole point of this work. Guyon knew God in a time where He was difficult to attain because of the religiosity of the time; which makes her words equally poignant today in our religious climate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews