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Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–c. 1328) was a German Dominican preacher, mystic, and theologian whose profound sermons and writings made him a towering figure in medieval Christian spirituality. Born around 1260 near Gotha in Thuringia, likely as Eckhart von Hochheim, he entered the Dominican Order as a young man, receiving a robust education in theology and philosophy. He studied at the University of Paris, earning the title "Meister" (Master) after completing his Master of Theology degree by 1302, and served as prior of the Dominican house in Erfurt and vicar of Thuringia. Little is known of his personal life, including family details, as his focus remained on intellectual and spiritual pursuits within the church. Eckhart’s preaching career unfolded primarily in Strasbourg and Cologne, where he delivered sermons in both Latin and Middle High German, blending speculative theology with practical mysticism. Appointed professor of theology at Paris in 1302 and later provincial of the Dominican province of Saxony from 1303 to 1311, he preached to nuns, monks, and laypeople, emphasizing the soul’s union with God and the concept of detachment. His works, including the Book of Divine Consolation and numerous sermons, drew large audiences but also scrutiny; in 1326, the Archbishop of Cologne initiated an inquisition against him for suspected heresy due to his bold statements, such as calling God “nothing.” Eckhart appealed to Pope John XXII and died around 1328, likely in Avignon, before a final verdict. His legacy as a preacher endures through his influential mystical theology, later embraced by diverse Christian traditions despite posthumous condemnation of some teachings in 1329.
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Meister Eckhart emphasizes the power of sincere and fervent prayer as a divine connection between man and God, likening it to a golden ladder that leads to heaven. He teaches that effective prayer should focus on promoting God's honor, one's spiritual growth, and the well-being of others, rather than solely on personal desires. When seeking temporal blessings, it is important to align our requests with God's will and our spiritual well-being, while prayers for virtues require no such conditions as they are aligned with God's nature.
On Prayer
Good and earnest prayer is a golden ladder which reaches up to heaven, and by which man ascends to God. The man who will pray aright should ask for nothing except what may promote God's honour and glory, his own profit and the advantage of his neighbours. When we ask for temporal things we should always add, if it be God's will and if it be for my soul's health. But when we pray for virtues, we need add no qualification, for these are God's own working.
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Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–c. 1328) was a German Dominican preacher, mystic, and theologian whose profound sermons and writings made him a towering figure in medieval Christian spirituality. Born around 1260 near Gotha in Thuringia, likely as Eckhart von Hochheim, he entered the Dominican Order as a young man, receiving a robust education in theology and philosophy. He studied at the University of Paris, earning the title "Meister" (Master) after completing his Master of Theology degree by 1302, and served as prior of the Dominican house in Erfurt and vicar of Thuringia. Little is known of his personal life, including family details, as his focus remained on intellectual and spiritual pursuits within the church. Eckhart’s preaching career unfolded primarily in Strasbourg and Cologne, where he delivered sermons in both Latin and Middle High German, blending speculative theology with practical mysticism. Appointed professor of theology at Paris in 1302 and later provincial of the Dominican province of Saxony from 1303 to 1311, he preached to nuns, monks, and laypeople, emphasizing the soul’s union with God and the concept of detachment. His works, including the Book of Divine Consolation and numerous sermons, drew large audiences but also scrutiny; in 1326, the Archbishop of Cologne initiated an inquisition against him for suspected heresy due to his bold statements, such as calling God “nothing.” Eckhart appealed to Pope John XXII and died around 1328, likely in Avignon, before a final verdict. His legacy as a preacher endures through his influential mystical theology, later embraced by diverse Christian traditions despite posthumous condemnation of some teachings in 1329.