Reading guide · Growing in prayer
Growing in prayer
If you want to pray but find yourself distracted or unsure how to begin, these letters offer counsel on coming before God and remaining with Him. Tersteegen directs his readers toward Jesus, childlike trust, and a loving response to God’s nearness.
Begin with the simple counsel on praying rightly. The longer letter on inward prayer explores its foundation in Christ; the final letter offers practical directions given to a particular friend. Read those directions with their personal setting in mind, leaving room for the duties of your own day.
A reading guide to selected letters by Gerhard Tersteegen, translated into English by Jarred Fenlason. The introductions are editorial; each link opens a complete letter with its sources and notes.
Remain before Him
If prayer feels difficult, this letter offers a simple beginning: come before God as you are, tell Him what is in your heart, and remain with Him. Distraction and a lack of feeling need not keep you away.
Of the simple and easy art of praying rightly.
Volume I · Part I · Letter 119
Read the complete letter →Drawing near to God in Christ
In this longer letter, Tersteegen explains inward prayer as drawing near to God through Jesus and remaining before Him. He grounds that invitation in Christ’s redeeming work and describes our response in love, self-denial, and surrender.
Of inward prayer in general: wherein it consists, and how it is to be practiced.
Volume I · Part I · Letter 72
Making time for the Lord
Tersteegen counsels a particular friend about regular times of prayer, allowing for the duties of his day. Throughout these practical directions, faith in God’s nearness is the foundation and love for Him is the guide.
Volume II · Part III · Letter 63