Abandonment to Divine Providence

I usually love historical books on the spiritual life. But this one just left me cold. It seemed to say in 100 words what could be said in one, and above that choose 100 words which obscured the point the writer was trying to make.

I finished the book, but for me it was a slog.

If anything, it was one of the best incentives to leave the present moment
I’ve come across.

Used this book for a small group discussion. Everyone found it quite beneficial. Took some a little effort to click in with the style, but I found it very readable and profoundly helpful, deepening one's desire for God and holiness. Recommended it to Protestant friends, as this is one of the "classics" that touches all of other beliefs.

The Sacrament of the Present Moment is the three hundred-year-old classic of spiritual guidance and enlightenment by Jean-Pierre de Caussade, ordained member of the Society of Jesus. In this wise, hopeful, and powerfully stirring masterwork of Christian thought and daily practice, de Caussade encourages a selfless abandonment to God as a means of achieving grace and conquering pride and ego.

Old school Jesuit praying wrapped in Quietism. The belief in total surrender. It didn't go well with the "God in All Things" and "God is Where You" mantra of James Martin S. J.

Ah, that I would practice what I learned from this book: living in the present moment! This is an old text, written 2 centuries ago, and as timely as today. Jean-Pierre, a Jesuit, didn't actually write this book. It is comprised of notes taken by convents of Carmelite nuns who took notes of his retreats. I rather like the collective spirit of the result.

Beautiful and provocative. This is the original text of "L'Abandon a la Providence divine", without the content that was later added on to distance the text from the quietism prevalent at the time.

A portion of this remarkable work in English has already appeared in America, but many readers, to whom this precious little book has become a favourite, will welcome a complete translation, especially as what has already appeared in the English version may be considered as merely the theoretical part, whilst the "Letters of Direction" which form the greater portion of the present work give the practical part. They answer objections, solve diffietdties, and give practical advice. The book thus gains considerably in value and utility...