A Guide to True Peace: or A Method of Attaining to Inward and Spiritual Prayer

by François Fénelon, Lady Guion, Michael de Molinos

Originally published 200 years ago, this devotional classic teaches that Christians experience true and lasting peace through "inward, spiritual prayer" and how only true worship can be acceptably performed in order to attain it. This little work has influenced some of Christianity's most prominent theologians, including John Wesley and A. W. Tozer. This book will be sure to deepen your longing to know God, strengthen your resolve to live a Christ-centered life, and bring you into stronger communion with the Father.

Genres: Christian

94 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, a Roman Catholic theologian and poet, wrote in France. He today is remembered mostly as one of the main advocates of quietism and as the author of The Adventures of Telemachus, a scabrous attack on the French monarchy, first published in 1699.

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[William L Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kirsten Bedford]

don’t ask me how I got into the Quaker texts bc idk 🫣this was pretty interesting though. “Looking inward” — they’re basically just talking about meditation. but that’s not what stuck with me the most. what really stuck with me was the focus on simplicity. as someone who grew up Catholic, memorizing and reciting prayers just bc I was told to, and getting caught up in the aesthetics and theatrics of traditional Catholic mass, but I feel like there is a lot to be said about just using the words you have, from your own heart. not that I don’t still love a lot of the classic prayers I memorized from childhood, they are very beautiful after all, but at some point you just have to explain in the way only you can. and feeling content with what has been given to you. and feeling confident in what you can give to others. and <3

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jon Clendenin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and Scripturally based. Quick read. Enlightening!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

the inner journey, excellently helpful.

[Zachary Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple and beautiful book. One to revisit, and to chew on more slowly next time around.

[Brendan Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.