Pray with
St John of the Cross
1542-1591
Reformer of the Male Branch of the Discalced Carmelite Order, and writer of beautiful mystical poetry (much of it composed whilst in prison), St John of the Cross is a Doctor of the Church and a revered teacher on Contemplative Prayer. St John is particularly helpful to people who find they can no longer meditate, and those experiencing the afflictions and trials of the Dark Night. He reassures us that this Dark Night is a way to union with God.
‘O soul, most beautiful of all creatures, that so greatly desires to know the place where your Beloved is, in order to seek Him and be united with Him... It is a matter of great contentment and joy for you to see that He is so near you as to be within you. Rejoice and be glad in your inward recollection with Him, since you have Him so near. There desire Him, there adore Him, and do not go to seek Him outside yourself’ (Spiritual Canticle 1. 7,8).
‘Since God, then, as the giver communes with individuals through a simple, loving knowledge, they also, as the receivers, commune with God through a simple and loving knowledge or attention’ (LF 3.34).
‘Preserve a loving attentiveness to God with no desire to feel or understand any particular thing concerning Him’ (Maxim 9).