DWELL

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. - Psalm 27:4

(Day 6 of 7)
As we near the end of our journey through the Interior Castle written by Teresa of Avila, we in the 6th mansion that a believer is regularly experiencing an intimacy with God that is transformative. Passionate devotion and love for Christ are characteristic of this stage when prayer times stoke the fire within.

There is a "dark side" during this time as well. John of the Cross explains this experience as the "dark night of the soul" where God's presence seems to pull away. It is at these times that God is sharpening us to greater levels of devotion even when we can't sense Him being near. Some relate this to when Christ was alone on the cross.

Through the darkness, a greater desire builds to spend more time as we dwell with Christ in continual communion with His Spirit.

ThoughtPrayer: "Lord, to dwell with You is the greatest gift."

ThoughtSong: Cambridge Singers "The Lord is My Shepherd"

For a summary of Teresa's "Mansions", click here.

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