Quotes by Gerhard Tersteegen
Gerhard Tersteegen (1697–1769) — Mystiker · Pietismus · Deutschland
Gerhard Tersteegen (1697–1769) war ein deutscher Laienprediger, Schriftsteller und Liederdichter des mystischen Pietismus, der den Großteil seines Lebens in Mülheim an der Ruhr verbrachte. Bekannt durch Kirchenlieder wie „Gott ist gegenwärtig“, betonte er die persönliche Hingabe und das Leben in der Gegenwart Gottes, stieß jedoch mit seinen privaten Erbauungsversammlungen und seiner Rezeption katholischer Mystiker auf zeitgenössische kirchliche Kritik. Heutigen Bibellesern begegnet sein Werk als traditionsübergreifend gesungenes Liedgut und als Anstoß zu meditativer Verinnerlichung des Glaubens.
Era: Revival & the 19th Century
Recurring topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Prayer & Silence, Faith & Trust, Humility & Pride, Joy & Gratitude, The Bible & the Word of God, Peace & Rest, Love
Quotes by Gerhard Tersteegen
You say you cannot pray properly. Is there no 'oh', no 'ah' in your heart? And even if you could not find even that, then simply tell Jesus that you cannot pray — then you are already praying.
Gerhard Tersteegen
You permeate all things; let your fairest light, Lord, touch my face. As the tender flowers willingly unfold and hold still before the sun, so let me, quiet and glad, receive your rays and let you work.
Gerhard Tersteegen
Rich is he who has much; richer is he who needs little; richest is he who gives much.
Gerhard Tersteegen
God lowers himself to the very depths: he comes to us as a child, so that we may take love for him and let ourselves be healed and helped.
Gerhard Tersteegen
God's presence and encouragement can inwardly even turn a sickbed into paradise.
Gerhard Tersteegen
Is it a great thing that the angels praise God? No, for if we were in their place, we would do it too – but I believe that Job praised God on his dung heap, that was a great thing, and this praise pleased God better than the praise of all the angels.
Gerhard Tersteegen
A little flower, when it feels the sun, // Opens quietly, gently, and gladly: // When God's grace touches you, // Let your heart be moved likewise.
Gerhard Tersteegen
One must read Scripture praying and pray while reading, because all light, blessing, and impact must come solely from the Holy Spirit by grace.
Gerhard Tersteegen
Whoever does not read Scripture with a heart turned to God in prayer goes away from a full table empty, weak, and thin, no matter how much the head may have gathered.
Gerhard Tersteegen
Do not read too much at once. Read little, but read that little with all the greater devotion and thoughtfulness.
Gerhard Tersteegen
One day tells the next: my life is a wandering toward the great eternity. O eternity, so fair, accustom my heart to you, my home is not in this time.
Gerhard Tersteegen
God and his ways are everywhere to be adored, but not everywhere to be fathomed.
Gerhard Tersteegen
Dearly you have won us, when you died upon the cross; remember, Jesus, we are yours. Never leave us alone.
Gerhard Tersteegen
God is present. Let us worship and step before him in reverence. God is in our midst. Let everything within us be silent and bow deeply before him.
Gerhard Tersteegen
I adore the power of love that reveals itself in Jesus.
Gerhard Tersteegen
When we read the Bible rightly, God speaks to us, and everything we read should also give us occasion to speak with God.
Gerhard Tersteegen
Now that the day has ended, my heart turns to you and gives thanks deeply; turn your gracious face upon me for blessing, enlighten and kindle me.
Gerhard Tersteegen
I entrust myself anew to your fatherly faithfulness, protection, and heart; drive away, through your nearness, the works of darkness and every evil power.
Gerhard Tersteegen
King of glory, become out of love a child, to whom I in turn bind my heart in love: you shall be the one I choose alone.
Gerhard Tersteegen
World, you are too small for us. We go, led by Jesus, into the eternities: it shall be Jesus alone.
Gerhard Tersteegen
I adore the power of love, // Which reveals itself in Jesus; // I yield myself to that free impulse, // Whereby I, a worm, was loved; // Instead of thinking of myself, // I will immerse myself into the sea of love.
Gerhard Tersteegen
One need not seek God, only find him.
Gerhard Tersteegen
Majestic being, I would truly praise you and serve you in spirit. I would, like the angels, ever stand before you and see you present.
Gerhard Tersteegen
That you always surround me, that you love me dearly and call me into yourself, that you alone delight so truly, so purely — let that matter to me early and late.
Gerhard Tersteegen
I believe that among the party of Roman Catholics as well as among the Lutherans, the Reformed, and the Mennonites, souls can attain to the highest summit of holiness and union with God.
Gerhard Tersteegen
God Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, O fount of blessing, ever flowing: flow well through heart, mind, and way of life, fill us fully with your praise and blessing!
Gerhard Tersteegen
Sources: wikipedia.org, lvr.de
All quotes · lumen.bible