Spirit of Prayer

William Law's "The Spirit of Prayer" emerged from his mature reflections on the mystical tradition, particularly his encounter with the writings of Jacob Boehme. Published in 1749, this treatise represented Law's attempt to guide readers beyond mere intellectual assent to Christian doctrine toward an experiential knowledge of God through prayer. Writing as an Anglican cleric who had grown increasingly dissatisfied with formal religious observance, Law sought to articulate how prayer could become the very breath of spiritual life rather than a duty performed at appointed hours.

The work unfolds as a sustained meditation on prayer as the fundamental posture of the soul before God. Law argues that true prayer is not primarily petition or even praise, but rather a turning of the whole being toward the divine presence that dwells within. He distinguishes sharply between prayer as external religious performance and prayer as the spirit's natural movement toward its source. The treatise explores how this inward turning requires a death to self-will and worldly attachments, making space for what Law calls the "birth of Christ in the soul." He draws extensively on mystical imagery of divine fire and light, describing prayer as participation in the very life of the Trinity. Throughout, Law emphasizes that this is not esoteric knowledge reserved for a spiritual elite, but the birthright of every Christian who turns wholeheartedly toward God.

Enduring Influence

"The Spirit of Prayer" has continued to nourish readers seeking to move beyond superficial spirituality toward transformative encounter with God. Law's integration of Protestant theology with mystical insight influenced later evangelical revivalists like John Wesley, who despite theological disagreements recognized Law's profound grasp of spiritual transformation. The work's emphasis on experiential knowledge of God resonated through subsequent centuries with Christians hungry for authentic spiritual life. Law's vision of prayer as the soul's fundamental orientation toward God, rather than merely verbal communication, anticipated later developments in contemplative spirituality while remaining rooted in orthodox Christian teaching.

Who should read this: Christians seeking to deepen their prayer life beyond rote recitation will find Law's mystical yet practical approach transformative, though readers uncomfortable with inward-focused spirituality or those preferring structured devotional methods may find his approach too abstract or demanding.