That we Ought to Offer ourselves and all that is

Name: That we Ought to Offer ourselves and all that is ours to God, and to Pray for All
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the importance of total self-offering to God, highlighting the need for humility, repentance, and intercession. The disciple expresses a desire to dedicate themselves entirely to God, acknowledging divine ownership of all creation. They seek forgiveness for sins, recognizing their shortcomings and the necessity of divine mercy. The act of offering includes not only personal sins but also the goodness they possess, however imperfect, asking for sanctification and guidance towards perfection. The text underscores the significance of communal prayer, extending intercessions to family, friends, and even adversaries. The disciple prays for the well-being of others, seeking divine grace for those who have helped them and for those who have wronged them. This reflects a deep understanding of interconnectedness and the call to love and forgive. The work advocates for a life of continual prayer and self-examination, urging the believer to maintain a posture of humility and reliance on God's mercy. It calls for the removal of negative emotions that hinder love and charity, promoting reconciliation and peace among individuals. Ultimately, the text serves as a guide for spiritual growth, emphasizing the transformative power of sincere devotion and the importance of community in the journey of faith.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1517 · Genre: Religious Literature, Spirituality, Devotional · 701 words

First lines

The Voice of the Disciple.

"Lord, all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine. "166 I desire to offer myself up unto thee as a freewill offering, and to continue Thine forever. Lord, "in the uprightness of mine heart I willingly offer"167 myself to Thee today to be Thy servant forever, in humble submission and for a sacrifice of perpetual praise. Receive me with this holy Communion of Thy precious Body, which I celebrate before Thee this day in the presence of the Angels invisibly surrounding, that it may be for the salvation of me and of all Thy people.

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That we Ought to Offer ourselves and all that is ours to God, and to Pray for All is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1517 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1517 CE
Language: English
Genres: Religious Literature, Spirituality, Devotional, Philosophy, Meditation
Length: 701 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Similar titles

Genres

Religious Literature — The book focuses on offering oneself to God and includes prayers and reflections, central to religious practice.
Spirituality — It emphasizes personal spiritual growth, repentance, and the pursuit of a closer relationship with God.
Devotional — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and prayer, encouraging readers to engage in acts of worship.
Philosophy — It explores themes of morality, sin, and the nature of good and evil, prompting philosophical reflection on human existence.