Wednesday, June 16, 2010

God Alone Is Enough


Claudia Mair Burney has a new book out! God Alone is Enough.
A sincere look at St. Teresa of Avila's prayer warrior life journey with God. This is published by Paraclete Press.

I have been chosen to blog on the second chapter of this book. I've not read the entire book... yet. I have read Chapter 2 three times, and I love it!

This chapter has been a revelation to me. Selah. I have often wondered what that word meant while reading and rereading the book of Psalms for most of my life. I would gloss over the word and keep on reading. That wonder about the word would disappear for a while, then I would read at a different time and think, "I've got to ask someone what "selah" means." Then, I would be shamed to ask, thinking it was such a silly question. So, I just stayed 'stuck" in my "wonder what selah means" mode. (No, it did not cross my mind to google the word.)

Voila! I got it. From reading Chapter 2, the words jumped off the page. Selah means, "let those with eyes to see and ears to hear, pause, rest and contemplate." It's kind of like a BIG comma---not a period! Thank you God!

God Alone Is Enough is written to help us find God's home, which is inside of each and everyone of us. How will we get inside? He has already paid the fare, and it is stamped "paid in full!" All we have to do to enter His home is to pray.

Claudia Mair calls this book a prayer pilgrimage, looking at Teresa of Avila's major teachings on her troublesome prayer life and hopefully learning from her experiences.

A light bulb moment for me. Prayer does not have to be complicated? Go to your own private space and just be there. Simply and honestly. She says, "This is your Father you are dealing with and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply." Sure, I have read these words before; however, this time I saw and heard the words.

Claudia quotes from Mike Yaconelli:

"A Terrible Prayer"

I have always been terrible at praying.
I forget.
My Mind wanders.
I fall asleep
I don't pray enough.
I don't understand what prayer is
or what it does.
If prayer were a school...
I would flunk praying.

And, so would I.

I am looking forward to spending time with this delightful book and learning from St. Teresa, who also thought she was a prayer failure. Claudia has a wonderful way with words.

I have enjoyed reading her books and her blog, Raggamuffin Diva. I am so glad our paths have crossed. Pick this book up and join us on this prayer pilgrimage.

Thank you for being here and reading.



7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much, Brenda. I learned a lot, even as I wrote the book. We are all, really, beginners in prayer, and that's the wonder. God is good enough to patiently, lovingly instruct us.

Heather Diane Tipton said...

I so can't wait to get my hands on this book. Claudia and Teresa in one book... oh my!

C. said...

Hi Brenda, I just "Hopped" over and I am glad I did. Your work has so much going on- very vibrant, strong messages. I'll be back!

Carol said...

Hi Brenda, I haven't been here in a while, but I'm glad I came today. The word "Selah" used to puzzle me too until I found out the meaning which is to "meditate on this". We know that every thing written has a meaning and it is good when we are enlightene. Let's just keep on praying.
Carol

Patrinas Pencil said...

Great post, Brenda dear.
Sounds like a lovely book on prayer! One of my very very favorite things to do! I too never knew what 'Selah' meant. But I love its meaning. thanks for sharing that! I will use it for sure in my writing! Like Amen - meaning 'let it be so'...both are powerful!!

god bless you dear heart.
Patrina <")>><

Anonymous said...

Hello RDB

I happened by, simply too lazy to go to email and scroll to find the last link we had... and find your lovely piece on ClaudiaM's book on St. Teresa of A...
Your write-up is one peaceful and serene bit of work, Lady. Congratulations to You! I AM SURE it will persuade many who read it to pursue the thought - and it will get them to a wonderful place...
Reminds me of the text that says .."if you tell your brother and he listens, then you will be blessed... if he doesn't then on his head". I do a précis, but you get the drift. You are surely blessed by this review you did on this book. Blessings VYB
PS miss being in touch - Life has had be by the scruff...

Say It In Color said...

Hi Brenda! I'm so glad I happened over here....Selah....hmmmm I was wondering if it meant something like...."Oh Well"...or "Whatever"....you know like Sela...Vi?...Amazing what our minds connect with....but I knew scriptually it was much more important! Everything He does is...I will have to get the book!! AND...are you speaking of "Mother Teresa"? She is amazing....anyway, I see many here from the old class....must come back for a visit and inspiration!!