That we Ought to Lay Open our Necessities to Chr
The work presents a profound exploration of the relationship between the disciple and Christ, emphasizing the necessity of divine grace and the human condition of weakness and need. The disciple expresses a deep yearning for spiritual sustenance and healing, acknowledging personal shortcomings and the burdens of temptation and sin. The text articulates a plea for comfort and support, recognizing Christ as the sole source of true consolation. The disciple's vulnerability is laid bare, revealing a desire for transformation through divine love. The imagery of poverty and nakedness symbolizes the spiritual state of the seeker, who stands in need of grace and mercy. Throughout the work, there is a call to turn away from earthly distractions and to seek a higher, heavenly focus. The disciple longs for an intimate union with Christ, desiring to be consumed and transformed by His presence. This transformation is depicted as a merging of spirit, where the disciple seeks to embody the love and purity that Christ represents. The text emphasizes the importance of humility and the acknowledgment of one's limitations in the pursuit of spiritual growth. The disciple's prayer reflects a deep trust in Christ's ability to provide what is necessary for salvation and enlightenment. The work ultimately serves as a guide for those seeking a deeper relationship with the divine, highlighting the importance of surrendering to Christ's will and grace. In summary, the work is a heartfelt expression of the need for divine assistance, the longing for spiritual union, and the transformative power of Christ's love, urging believers to lay bare their necessities before Him in faith and humility.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Christian Spirituality, Devotional Literature, Theology · 348 words
First lines
The Voice of the Disciple.
O most sweet and loving Lord, whom now I devoutly desire to receive, Thou knowest my infirmity and the necessity which I suffer, in what evils and vices I lie; how often I am weighed down, tempted, disturbed, and defiled. I come unto Thee for remedy, I beseech of Thee consolation and support. I speak unto Thee who knowest all things, to whom all my secrets are open, and who alone art able perfectly to comfort and help me. Thou knowest what good thing I most stand in need of, and how poor I am in virtues.
What this Textopian page supports
That we Ought to Lay Open our Necessities to Christ and to Require his Grace is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1654 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1654 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Christian Spirituality, Devotional Literature, Theology, Mysticism, Religious Instruction
- Length: 348 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
- That A Man Ought Not To Reckon Himself Worthy Of Consolation But More Worthy Of Chastisement by Thomas A. Kempis
- That We Ought To Offer Ourselves And All That Is Ours To God And To Pray For All by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Hiding Our Grace Under The Guard Of Humility by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Oblation Of Christ Upon The Cross And Of Resignation Of Self by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Obedience Of One In Lowly Subjection After The Example Of Jesus Christ by Thomas A. Kempis
- That It Is Sweet To Despise The World And To Serve God by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Christian Spirituality — The text focuses on the relationship between the individual and Christ, emphasizing the need for grace and spiritual nourishment.
- Devotional Literature — The work serves as a personal prayer and reflection, aimed at deepening one's faith and devotion to God.
- Theology — It explores theological themes such as grace, mercy, and the nature of God, making it relevant to theological study.
- Mysticism — The text expresses a desire for union with the divine and transformation through love, characteristic of mystical literature.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Devotional · Meditation · Prayer · Faith · Discipline · Self-reflection · Personal growth · Inner peace · Spiritual guidance · Moral instruction
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis