Experiencing God Through Prayer

by Jeanne Guyon

In this upbeat, abridged edition of the classic, Jeanne Guyon explains the great difference between praying to God and experiencing God through prayer. She shares secrets of this higher plane of fellowship with God. In addition, she shows you how to enjoy God's presence, grow in your knowledge of the Word, experience rest from worry, and gain wisdom and understanding. You will discover the joy of a quiet heart and mind, learn how to survive your "dry" periods of prayer, and become content where God has placed you.

Genres: Prayer, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Classics, Christianity

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1984

About the author

Jeanne 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)

Reviews

[Adam Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this little book to be full of wisdom. It is rare that I read female authors, especially those that write in this category, but I am glad I picked this one up. It is very evident that Madame Guyon wrote this in the paradox of confident humility. Not seeking glory or honor for herself, while at the same time firm in her conviction that God is everything and we must spur one another on towards Him. That idea also presents a paradox within her own book, because her main theme seemed to be complete passivity before our Lord, emphasizing that no work by us, whatsoever, could bring us closer to Him. She was very clear that we must simply cease all activity before him, remain silent, trust wholly, and allow Him to come to us.

While she did use scriptures regularly and throughout the book, the basis seemed to be mostly experiential, which I don't necessarily have and issue with. Again it is clear that she was motivated by the love of Christ and had much wisdom to share, and I am blessed because I read it.

If you do decide to pick up the book, I recommend you take it chapter by chapter and implement the model of prayer she lays out as you read through it. I did not do it this way, but I think it would have been more beneficial.

[Henry Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago I stumbled into Madame Guyon's Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ. It had a profound effect on me and radically changed my prayer practices and how I understood the presence of God. I was excited recently when I came across this book by her. It's probably the best book l've read on prayer. It's simple, to the point and still somehow incredibly rich and deep. I found myself stopping to pause and ponder so many points made throughout. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to grow in knowing God through prayer.

Quotes:
"Prayer is nothing more than turning our heart toward God and receiving in turn His love."

"To bear all the marks of Jesus Christ is much greater than merely meditating on them."

"Being internally occupied with God is wholly incompatible with being externally busied by a thousand trivialities."

"Little fruit will be found in a person if you disciple him into many burdensome, external exercises instead of leading him into the knowledge of "Christ in you, the hope of glory"''

"My own heart is burdened when I think how easily the entire church could be transformed if only they would love."

[Kymberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has helped me in my prayer life, in my relationship with God. I no longer will look at and focus my past; I will no longer just to seek Him for His blessings; but I will seek Him and focus on the Giver in my relationship with Him.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary book. Written three hundred years ago it's relevant today. "Updated" edition is straightforward and easy to read. Wish I had this book months ago.

[Kyle Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is pretty much all of what I look for in a prayer book - I really appreciated it! Of course it has its shortcomings, namely that it is confined to the language of its time (i.e. idealizing “complete assimilation” into God with a seemingly low view of personhood, despite her actual arguments ringing different). Regardless, there is way more to like here in my opinion. I loved her overall theme, insisting on our NEED to experience God in prayer; her constant pullbacks to God’s doing a work in us, how it’s actually impossible on our own; her persistence after a deep holiness and how much is possible in this life; how she is aware that she is only out to provide basic principles to “babes in Christ,” yet how this foundation leads us and calls us on more and more into the nature and enjoyment of God. Truthfully, this is what I was wanting and expecting out of other prayer books I’d read recently, yet they were all lacking quite a bit. I’m glad to say this one didn’t disappoint. :)

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite little books about prayer. This is a practical guide about how to experience communion with God in prayer. I really enjoyed it. Mow, if I can only put it into practice: be silent, be still, don't strive, rest in Him, and listen... I think this is going to take a little while... So simple, but not very easy.

[Anthony Cappoferri · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most spiritually enriching books I have read in a long time. So simple, yet deeply profound. It’s hard to believe it was written over 300 years ago with how utterly and perfectly relevant it is for our day and age. Thoroughly blessed by this little book and highly recommend it for anyone desiring a deeper spiritual life and a closer relationship with God.

[Joseph]

Just from the introduction, I can already sense Madame Guyon's humbleness through her writing. I am very much drawn and encouraged, as she begins by reassuring the reader that her message is simple and attainable by all:
those who sincerely pursue God will find him

[Reagan Rowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, short easy read. Inspirational. A couple pages in the morning to get your day off to a fresh start.

[Karen Jean Mathson Laucirica]

If you are looking for a deeper walk with the Lord, this book is anointed and will help you pull into a fresh anointing of prayer with Him.

[Todd B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

short, sweet, magnetic, the lady lived what she taught

[Alisha]

Pretty good

[Louetta Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading again and again!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little book. Both an autobiography and a guide to prayer.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it through many times! It's an awesome reminder of what can be accomplished through prayer.

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short chapters, perfect for a daily devotional, encouragement for complete reliance upon God. Madame Guyon was condemned as a mystic (finding personal revelation and authority outside Gods Word), but really the Catholic Church of the 17th C hated her because she taught people to commune with God outside their priesthood. Her writings were popular among the original Quakers, who encouraged personal prayer and devotion to Christ. Even though the term “mystic” scares some Christians, this entire book used God’s Word to convince me how desperately I need the help of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit to walk in communion with Him. Loved it, could read it every year to refocus my simplicity in prayer and love of a good God.

[Nellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short book on prayer. Will revolutionize your prayer life.
Short chapters make it easy to read.
I would suggest read a chapter and practice what is written.

Favorite quote:

An earthly father is more leads to be addressed with love and respect because it comes from the heart rather than dry, barren, elaborate words.” pages 78-79

[Denise Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short easy read I read it in one day. Majority of the information was on things I already knew so it was more of a refresher for me. It emphasized the importance of silence and resting in God’s presence through prayer. Take your time when you read the Bible to fully digest the spiritual truth. Hearing from God is passive the only acting thing we’re doing is paying attention to His voice

[Lee Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a good book. It is full of information and great guidelines. helpful for sure. But I think it would have helped to put the instructions in a list form at the very end for people who have difficulty following without a list. But that's just my opinion. Otherwise, it was a great, very informative book.

[Emma Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going deeper

For those wanting to go deeper in prayer by experiencing God wonderful indescribable presence you must read this book by Guyon.
Her words echo of insight that precious Holy spirit taught her.

[Magnificat · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021.11.08｜在現今這時代能夠用“心”愛GOD而非用“悟性”的人不多，更別說切切追求與GOD聯合，甚至對某些人來講這些經歷都只不過是不現實的神秘經驗，他們從未入門。 如果你能讀懂本書我真為你歡欣快樂，因你已入門，但不要滿足於此，不要停留在第一站。要知道我們幸福的源頭就是與GOD聯合，再無可比的。 生命有限，當趁著餘日好好操練，然後再無什麼好懼怕的。 “悟性”重要，但“心”更緊要。願你的心門向祂打開。

[Neil Saltmarsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very accessible book by Mme Guyon. Easy to read and easy to apply. Wonderful to read the fruit that Mme Guyon brought through her persecution. Always faithful to God and a wonderful gladness and thankfulness permeates this work.

[A. A. Breitling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good to reread this short simple old book which emphasizes praying from the heart, being silent to listen for God’s Spirit, abandoning yourself to God, and practicing his presence always.

[Yarnigras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read and straightforward. Lots of good advice in each small chapter. Not condemning, but more like a guidebook on how to get closer to God.

[Monique Amado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I appreciated her words, much of it seems self-evident now. But considering when her words were written, it was revolutionary what she was saying, and she lived a miserable life being locked in prison for it.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is the book I read by Madame Guyon years ago. A novice to the Christian experience and prayer I liked Guyon's mystical writings. Consequently, I gave the book to my pastor's wife who never gave the back. She wasn't one to not return things. My take on this is she was trying to protect me from something she thought would led me astray. Which was dear of her but unnecessarily. The Spirit leads us into truth and way from error. Someday think I'll ask her if she remembers the book and see what she says about it.

[Ben Zajdel]

I'm the first person to review this book, and that's cool.

I slightly enjoyed it.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a concise, wise little beginner book on prayer.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

intermingle with love, Clear and easy to read. Helpful in basic steps of prayer - how to rest in His presence, how to muse and meditate over His word and how to maximise enjoyment out of each Word.