Monday, February 23, 2009
The Cloud of Unknowing
I fount "The Cloud of Unknowing" to be both confusing and interesting. I think that one of the things it was saying that our goal in prayer should be to have our whole focus on God in that moment. We should strive to pray without any other distractions or desires at that time. As I think about it, it seems to be really difficult to focus our minds/emotions/desires on any one thing at any one time. I will try to focus on one thing and before I know it I am thinking about how I am tired or I get distracted by my surroundings. It is not easy to be that dedicated to anything! If it is easily possible there are at least times where it is really difficult (for example is you are really hungry or tired). "This is the work of the soul that most pleases God. All saints and angels rejoice in this work and hasten to help it with all their might." If this is not referring to have our focus in every possible way on God, it is in the very least referring to having our whole heart turned towards God (having no desire for anything but be praying to God at that time). It is difficult to maintain this full focus and it says that we should keep "laboring" towards this and that we will be helped in ways we do not even realize (by angels for example). The fact that it uses the word "laboring" indicates that this type of prayer is difficult to reach and is always a continual process. I do no think it means that one day you will know how to pray like this. It makes more sense for it to be saying that everyday is a challenge to pray like this and some days will be better than others. When reading "The Cloud of Unknowing," the parts in the very beginning about this kind of prayer are what stood out to me more than anything else.
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I thought that looking at it as a day-to-day process was really great. It puts it into perspective and really takes it one foot at a time, so to say. Some days it IS easier than others to free your mind of thought, especially when we are overtaken by human sensations like hunger and exhaustion. However, I think sometimes it is when we are at our most uncomfortable points that it is easiest to clear our mind because we can focus our mind onto something hopeful and loving instead of our human sensations.
ReplyDeleteAwesomew ay of looking at it Emily :)
I think it is very true to say how difficult it is to focus on one thing. I cant do it,ive tried. It is so difficult to completly focus on anything.
ReplyDeleteI like how you included how it says "laboring" because when you think about it is is labor to clear your mind and truly focus on prayer. It definitely takes time to do it.
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