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A Guide to True Peace: A Method of Attaining to Inward and Spiritual Prayer
The writers were considered dangerous—heretics even. They were imprisoned—banished—exiled. Their crime? They were teaching that Christians could experience inner communion with God through something they called “inward prayer.” Later their writings would be read and recommended by such spiritual giants as John Wesley, Hudson Taylor and Watchman Nee. A Guide to True Peace captures the essence of their teachings and makes them accessible in a small, readable volume. It was first published almost two hundred years ago, at the dawn of the Industrial Age, as a guide for believers seeking to know what it means to abide in Christ and live with an active knowledge of the presence of God. Many have considered it a devotional classic, including A. W. Tozer, who added it to his recommended reading list. The book begins by emphasizing the truth that God dwells within all believers, and then goes on to talk about what it means to allow that divine Spirit to have His full sway in our lives through denial of self, submission, and obedience. It also considers the blessings of faith and inward prayer, and how the practical results of such a life will lead us into divine union with Almighty God. This union is the place of true peace. In these days of uncertainty and turmoil, it is of great importance that the followers of Jesus Christ know what it means to have personal communion with Him. The principles in this little book, if meditated upon and applied, will be of great help to all who are wholeheartedly seeking more of God.
- GenresChristian
74 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1995
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About the author
Jeanne Guyon
411 books104 followersJeanne Marie Bouvières de la Mothe Guyon (commonly known as Madame Guyon) was the leader of the Quietist movement in France. The foundation of her Quietism was laid in her study of St. Francis de Sales, Madame de Chantal, and Thomas a Kempis. At age 16, she married Jacques Guyon, a wealthy man of weak health, 22 years her senior. Until his death in 1676, her life was an unhappy one, partly due to the difference in their ages, and partly due to a tyrannical mother-in-law. Her public career as an evangelist of Quietism began soon after her widowhood.
Her first labors were spent in the diocese of Geneva, at Anecy, Gex, and Thonon, and in Grenoble. In 1686 she went to Paris, where she was at first imprisoned for her opinions, in the Convent of St. Marie in the Faubourg St. Antoine; she was released after eight months at the insistence of Madame de Maintenon. She then rose to the zenith of her fame. Her life at all times greatly fascinated those around her; the court, Madame de Maintenon, and Madame de Maintenon’s College of Ladies at Cyr, came under the spell of her enthusiasm. But the affinity of her doctrines with those of Michael Molinos, who was condemned in 1685, soon worked against her.
Her opinions were condemned by a commission, of which Bossuet was president. She then incurred Bossuet’s displeasure by breaking the promises she had made to him to maintain a quiet attitude and not return to Paris. She was imprisoned at Vincennes in December 1695, and the next year moved to Vaugirard, under a promise to avoid all receptions and correspondence, except by special permission. In 1698, she was imprisoned in the Bastille for four years. She spent the remainder of her life in retirement with her daughter, the Marquise de Bois, at Blois. She had numerous visitors of all ranks, some from foreign countries, and had a considerable correspondence. Her works fill some 40 volumes. (less)
Her first labors were spent in the diocese of Geneva, at Anecy, Gex, and Thonon, and in Grenoble. In 1686 she went to Paris, where she was at first imprisoned for her opinions, in the Convent of St. Marie in the Faubourg St. Antoine; she was released after eight months at the insistence of Madame de Maintenon. She then rose to the zenith of her fame. Her life at all times greatly fascinated those around her; the court, Madame de Maintenon, and Madame de Maintenon’s College of Ladies at Cyr, came under the spell of her enthusiasm. But the affinity of her doctrines with those of Michael Molinos, who was condemned in 1685, soon worked against her.
Her opinions were condemned by a commission, of which Bossuet was president. She then incurred Bossuet’s displeasure by breaking the promises she had made to him to maintain a quiet attitude and not return to Paris. She was imprisoned at Vincennes in December 1695, and the next year moved to Vaugirard, under a promise to avoid all receptions and correspondence, except by special permission. In 1698, she was imprisoned in the Bastille for four years. She spent the remainder of her life in retirement with her daughter, the Marquise de Bois, at Blois. She had numerous visitors of all ranks, some from foreign countries, and had a considerable correspondence. Her works fill some 40 volumes. (less)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 6, 2024
I read this through twice in quick succession to get a good gist of this booklet.
I received great joy reading these words, especially when it drew in Bible verses that have given me succour over the years.
The edition I read was put out by Pendle Hill in 1979.
I received great joy reading these words, especially when it drew in Bible verses that have given me succour over the years.
The edition I read was put out by Pendle Hill in 1979.
April 20, 2020
Truly this is a most profound and insightful series of text.
These text continue to be as joyful a delight to my heart and soul as when I first read them 20 years ago! With a patient and sincere hunger the Truth seeker within anyone will embrace the poetic beauty of this work even though much of the language is archaic. If only all religious teachers understood these insights our world would have far less suffering and much more Godly Love.
These text continue to be as joyful a delight to my heart and soul as when I first read them 20 years ago! With a patient and sincere hunger the Truth seeker within anyone will embrace the poetic beauty of this work even though much of the language is archaic. If only all religious teachers understood these insights our world would have far less suffering and much more Godly Love.
May 4, 2020
An interesting book worth a read and prompting more study of the thought of Fénelon. There are some beautiful and highly intrusive passages on prayer, inward silence, etc. But overall, I found the work to be too short, which contributed to a feeling of lacking coherence. It seemed at times to jump from one insufficiently explained idea to the next.
As I say, I think this is definitely worth a read as it is short and inexpensive, so it serves as a good starting point for thinking about and studying contemplative prayer, inward silence, and the theology of Fénelon; but feels like extracts from a larger work that are sometimes only loosely connected.
As I say, I think this is definitely worth a read as it is short and inexpensive, so it serves as a good starting point for thinking about and studying contemplative prayer, inward silence, and the theology of Fénelon; but feels like extracts from a larger work that are sometimes only loosely connected.
August 19, 2017
Wow!
Great great book. Simple truths kept simple and yet presented in a profoundly applicable way. My life would benefit greatly from a daily dose of the powerful medicine contained here.
Great great book. Simple truths kept simple and yet presented in a profoundly applicable way. My life would benefit greatly from a daily dose of the powerful medicine contained here.
March 2, 2026
A must read for all Christians
If you are ready to go deeper in your Christian walk, this small book is a must read. If you are on the mystic path, this book will instruct and encourage. I highly recommend this book to all Christians.
If you are ready to go deeper in your Christian walk, this small book is a must read. If you are on the mystic path, this book will instruct and encourage. I highly recommend this book to all Christians.
August 20, 2017
Easy to read and Scripturally based. Quick read. Enlightening!
May 1, 2018
Inspirational
This book is deep. I enjoyed learning about prayer in a way I had never known. However the book was a bit difficult to read....thee and thou was used throughout the book. I'd love to read a modernized version.
This book is deep. I enjoyed learning about prayer in a way I had never known. However the book was a bit difficult to read....thee and thou was used throughout the book. I'd love to read a modernized version.
September 19, 2017
the inner journey, excellently helpful.
October 6, 2022
A simple and beautiful book. One to revisit, and to chew on more slowly next time around.
May 15, 2022
Devotional widely used by the Quakers. Inwardly silent prayer (“listening” is my take) where the outside self-will has been stripped away for humble reverence and patient trust to feel (listen to) the Divine Presence. A dense read from earlier authors, collected in this 1839 classic version.
June 24, 2021
Clear and to the point
This short pamphlet is timeless. Christians of all maturity levels could benefit. This isn’t light reading and only applies to the soul that only wants God and sees the falsehood of the values of this world.
I read one chapter with my daily devotions and received the strength I needed.
This short pamphlet is timeless. Christians of all maturity levels could benefit. This isn’t light reading and only applies to the soul that only wants God and sees the falsehood of the values of this world.
I read one chapter with my daily devotions and received the strength I needed.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews