On Prayer
Effective prayer is a means of ascending to God and should be focused on seeking His honour and glory.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Prayer
- Prayer as a means of ascending to God
- The importance of seeking God's honour and glory
Key Quotes
“Good and earnest prayer is a golden ladder which reaches up to heaven, and by which man ascends to God.” — Meister Eckhart
Application Points
- Make sure your prayers are focused on seeking God's honour and glory.
- Be mindful of your motivations when praying for temporal things.
- Pray for virtues, as these are God's own working.