The Character of a Methodist
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | 1742 |
| Passage ID | jw-character-009 |
| Words | 329 |
| Source | https://www.fumcfairfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/... |
Neither is he always on his knees, although he often is, or on his face, before the Lord his God. Nor yet is he always crying aloud to God, or calling upon him in words: For many times "the
Spirit maketh intercession for him with groans that cannot be uttered." But at all times the
language of his heart is this: "Thou brightness of the eternal glory, unto thee is my heart, though
without a voice, and my silence speaketh unto thee." And this is true prayer, and this alone. But
his heart is ever lifted up to God, at all times and in all places. In this he is never hindered, much
less interrupted, by any person or thing. In retirement or company, in leisure, business, or
conversation, his heart is ever with the Lord. Whether he lie down or rise up, God is in all his
thoughts; he walks with God continually, having the loving eye of his mind still fixed upon him,
and everywhere "seeing Him that is invisible."
Methodists are characterized by prayer. Their “prayer without ceasing) includes
both crying out to God and listening to God. Question: How is your prayer life? Do you regularly lift up your needs and the needs of others? Do you spend time
silent before God, listening to him? 9. And while he thus always exercises his love to God, by praying without ceasing, rejoicing
evermore, and in everything giving thanks, this commandment is written in his heart, "That he
who loveth God, love his brother also." And he accordingly loves his neighbor as himself; he
loves every man as his own soul. His heart is full of love to all mankind, to every child of "the
Father of the spirits of all flesh." That a man is not personally known to him, is no bar to his
love; no, nor that he is known to be such as he approves not, that he repays hatred for his goodwill.