A Reading Guide for A Testament of Devotion

Some ways to get more when you are reading a Christian spiritual classic

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Should you accompany me in exploring Christian spirituality utilizing A Testament of Devotion as a resource, I will furnish you with a written reading guide each week. I will present a video introduction and reflection on the material we are currently reading later in the week.

Finishing Chapter One is the goal for this week. Remember that Kelly was not attempting to write a book when he composed the five chapters that comprise this one. Instead, he was composing independent, self-contained essays. He had been aiming to get a doctorate in philosophy from Harvard University. But all of his aspirations were dashed when he humiliatingly failed the oral examinations. Maybe he was wondering whether this was it for his life. He had devoted the last forty-four years to the dogged pursuit of that degree and the recognition it would bring. He hit a brick wall when Harvard denied him permission to continue his PhD studies due to his oral exam failure, which was mostly driven by an undiagnosed anxiety issue. For him, there was no way forward. It is a terrible position to be in. Shocking to him, amid his academic disaster he had a profound spiritual awakening: God was not just a theoretical concept to be analyzed philosophically but an actual, Living Presence in his life to be known and enjoyed. One reason he wrote these five essays was so he could better comprehend his recent finding.

The Light Within, which is now Chapter One in A Testament of Devotion, aims to describe the transformative shift from merely believing in God to experiencing God. When I first read this chapter, I knew quickly I was in deep waters. I had not been exposed to the vocabulary or this way of describing the Presence of God. I was formed by a community that said the highest practice of Christians was to do devotions (read your Bible and pray). Go to church. And don’t sin—be sure not to sin. I had never had anyone say to me that my highest possible capacity is becoming aware of the Presence of God no matter my life situation. I did not know that my soul was a sanctuary where God dwelled. I had yet to unpack the amazing idea that God with me was not just a Christmas slogan but a reality for every day of my life. These were just some of the treasures I discovered in The Light Within. I am looking forward to what you will discover as you begin reading chapter one.

I’ve prepared a reading guide to help you get more from the first chapter. It has two sections: Suggestions for Reading a Spiritual Classic and Chapter One Reading Guide. As you keep reading, you’ll find both of these sections.

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Suggestions for Reading a Spiritual Classic

First, begin with prayer

God is going to reveal Himself to you. He is going to reveal a word that will kindle your imagination. Prepare yourself for this discovery by breathing a short prayer to prepare your mind, spirit, and soul for receptivity. It can be as simple as, “God, open my eyes that I might see.” Whatever words you breathe will help center your focus as you begin to read.

Second, slow is the speed of discovery

Just as when you read a portion of scripture meditatively, select a manageable portion of the chapter and read until an insight leaps out at you. Do not intend to read the entire chapter from beginning to end in one sitting. Much will pass you by that you fail to notice. When a verse, a few words, or even one or two words strike a chord within you, pause and consider what you have discovered.