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Desiring God's Will: Aligning Our Hearts with the Heart of God

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David Benner states in his epilogue that there is a difference between doing the right 'thing' and following the right 'way'. It is by going the right way that our will is most aligned with God's will for us - it is not something that is simply reducible to a list of things to do, or even a figuring out for particular decisions 'What would Jesus do?' This might have a component in the process, but this is not the entirety of the process.

In the Benedictine rule, one of the vows made is conversion of life. This isn't the road to Damascus kind of conversion, and Benner recognises that in the kind of transformation most of us are called to seek. 'Our response to God's presence is not usually the Damascus Road knocked-off-our-feet-and-struck-blind epxerience of Paul (Acts 9:1-9). Typically, God's presence is more subtle, and our reactions are correspondingly attenuated.'

Benner discusses the Examen and discernment process of St. Ignatius as a key way of looking at how our will and God's will might work together. The opposite poles of consolation and desolation are highlighted as means by which we can attune ourselves more completely with God's will. This is a very different thing that seeing the idea of following God's will as one more new year's resolution (an analogy Benner draws early in the book). We all have willfulness, which can have a darker side (Benner highlights the character of Judas, among others, and certainly the apostle Paul spoke at length about the problems of the will).

Benner calls love the antidote of this dark side of willfulness. This is contained in the Lord's Prayer - how often do we say this prayer by rote recitation, rather than hearing the impact of the words. Thy kindgom come. Thy will be done. These are very different from our natural impulses, which would guide each of us to say to herself or himself, 'my will be done.' Benner says that the question is not whether to pray or not, but rather which prayer to say, and that, 'when it comes right down to it, there are really only two possible prayers that can be prayed.' My will be done, or thy will be done.

Benner also introduces the spiritual practice of lectio divina, a time honoured practice that engages scripture and other spiritual classic writing with our heart, head and spirit. Approaching the scripture with open heart and mind, with an air of expectation that something new from the spirit will be revealed, is at the centre of this practice.

Benner is honest in saying that the will of God does not always lead to happiness, at least not as the world perceives it. This is no 'prosperity gospel' text. Sometimes the will of God leads to the cross, as any Christian should be well aware. However, there is the consolation, the heart-felt acceptance of God's presence, that comes from the entry into this kind of process.

Benner's book is a wonderful guide to the beginnings of spiritual direction. While spiritual direction is something best done in community or with a more experience person as guide, there are insights to be gained from this text about individual practices. Hopefully it will motivate the reader to continue further into discernment of where God's will lies.

Very good book, I think this is the best book I have read on God's will

David Benner is always profitable to read. This little book reinforces well a truth that will enable the reader to live in joy. Two other titles that go well with this are "Surrender to Love" and "Desiring God's Will." These three especially are in the great tradition of Brother Lawrence's "The Practice of the Presence of God." I buy these to give them away.

The book is very engaging. It reflects the truth about willpower and willing. Resolving is different from surrendering. Desire is basic in willing; choosing God out of desire for God. Surrendering the kingdom of self to the kingdom of God. The concept of taking up our crosses daily is graphic and emphatic. Death is the way to life! The problem is not with one finding the presence of God but being attentive to His presence by turning towards Him in centered and focused prayer. The problem is not with knowing God's will but accepting God's will. God wants to change out choosing not merely our choices. The author is very thoughtful and honest. He is aware of the contributions of others on the subject and makes good and appropriate use of the works and words of others!InBreaking Free: The Key to Empowerment, Happiness & Fulfillmentthe author also speaks of the importance of yielding to God for total healing and restoration.