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 (1697–1769), Mystiker

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Suffering & the Question of God, Faith & Trust

Occasions: Encouragement, For Reflection

Gerhard Tersteegen

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.

All quotes by Gerhard Tersteegen (26)

More on this topic

When you see a child, you catch God in the act.

Martin Luther

I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.

Gertrud von le Fort

Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.

Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

Augustine of Hippo

For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.

Dag Hammarskjöld

The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.

Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.

Frederick Buechner

All quotes · lumen.bible