The Mind’s Road to God

Blessed is the man whose help is from Thee.  In his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps, in the vale of tears, in the place which he hath set [Ps 84:6].

Since beatitude is nothing else than the fruition of the highest good, and the highest good is above us, none can be made blessed unless he ascend above himself, not by the ascent of his body but by that of his heart.  But we cannot be raised above ourselves except by a higher power raising us up.  For howsoever the interior steps are disposed, nothing is accomplished unless it is accompanied by divine aid.  Divine help, however, comes to those who seek it from their hearts humbly and devoutly; and this means to sigh for it in this vale of tears, aided only by fervent prayer.  Thus prayer is the mother and source of ascent (sursum-actionis) in God.  Therefore Dionysius, in his book, Mystical Theology [ch.1, 1], wishing to instruct us in mental elevation, prefaces his work by prayer.  Therefore let us pray and say to the Lord our God, "Conduct me, O Lord, in Thy way, and I will walk in Thy truth; let my heart rejoice that it may fear thy name." [Ps 86:11]...