Prayer, Meditation, and Spiritual Trial: Luther's Account of Life in the Spirit - Softcover

Isaac, Gordon L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1683070186 ISBN 13: 9781683070184

Publisher: Hendrickson Academic, 2017

Synopsis

Quite often, theology and spirituality are separated, pursued without reference to the other a classic example of the disjunction between head and heart. But in Luther we find a profound theologian exhibiting a profound spirituality, one that still speaks to us today. Luther sets out three rules for doing proper theology: oratio, meditatio, tentatio or prayer, meditation, and spiritual trial. These three rules, derived from David the psalmist, provide a way for readers to investigate more thoroughly what Luther says about the important practice of theology or life in the Spirit. But they also serve as a simple way for Christians to live a fuller spiritual life.

The intention of Prayer, Meditation, and Spiritual Trial is to help readers enter into the world of Luther the Augustinian monk and Reformer who prays, meditates, and suffers spiritual trial within the community of faith that extends over the centuries. Ever the teacher and pastor himself, Gordon Isaac invites readers into the reality of living a theology of the cross, which helps make sense of our present struggles in this world and shows us how we can live in the love of God as revealed through Jesus Christ.

About this title

About the Author:

Gordon L. Isaac (MTh, Luther Theological Seminary; PhD, Marquette University) is the Berkshire Associate Professor of Advent Christian Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is the author of Monastic Memoria in the Preface to the Complete Edition of Luther s Latin Writings 1545 in Luther Digest (Luther Academy, 2012), and coeditor of Great Awakenings: Historical Perspectives for Today (Hendrickson, 2016).

Review:

While Luther s approach to exercising spiritually may have been less programmatic than Ignatius s, his reading of Scripture in the context of prayer and meditation in the midst of the eschatological battle with Satan, the world, and his own desires that similarly plague believers each day led him just as sure-footedly into the depths of Scripture and back into daily life. In this book, Isaac explores the many dimensions of Luther s meditative, devotional discipline with keen insight into the Reformer s prayer life and the challenges of twenty-first century Christian existence. This volume captures not only Luther s instructions and model for bringing Scripture into daily life, but also the spirit of dependence on God that shaped his encounters with Scripture. With his astute sensitivity to both historic text and our contemporary environment, Isaac demonstrates how lively and apt Luther s example is for us today. --Robert Kolb, professor of systematic theology, emeritus, Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis

Martin Luther was not only the central figure in the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, but also a spiritual master whose words give guidance to all Christians today. This volume explores his spirituality through his threefold rule of prayer, meditation and testing. A good introduction to the heart of Luther s faith. --Timothy George, founding dean, Beeson Divinity School; general editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

Some theologians transcend their day and generation in significance, both theologically and practically. Luther is just such a one, yet many people are probably more familiar with the spectacular moments of his public life than with the devotional convictions and practices that formed the foundation of his spiritual strength. In this book, Gordon Isaac takes Luther s famous triplet prayer, meditation, and spiritual trials and uses it as a means of making the Reformer s insights relevant to the Christian today, both for personal devotion and (of particular note) practical life in the community. Highly recommended. --Carl R. Trueman, William E. Simon Fellow in Religion and Public Life, Princeton University

About this edition

• Publisher: Hendrickson Academic
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1683070186
• ISBN 13: 9781683070184
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 206