The Cloud of Unknowing · 3 of 80
Here beginneth a book of contemplation, the which is called the CLOUD OF UNKNOWING, in the which a soul is oned with GOD.
Here beginneth a book of contemplation, the which is called the CLOUD OF UNKNOWING, in the which a soul is oned with GOD.
Here Beginneth the Prayer on the Prologue GOD, unto whom all hearts be open, and unto whom all will speaketh, and unto whom no privy thing is hid. I beseech Thee so for to cleanse the intent of mine heart with the unspeakable gift of Thy grace, that I may perfectly love Thee, and worthily praise Thee. Amen.
Asked of Guide
Why does the prayer ask God to 'cleanse the intent of mine heart' before praise and love?
The chapter makes the inward focus primary: it opens a book of contemplation where a soul is “oned with GOD,” so purity of intention becomes the necessary condition for union. The petitioner asks for “the unspeakable gift of Thy grace” to change the heart’s center so love and praise are rightly directed.
This prayer frames contemplative practice as receptive rather than performative; the soul seeks gifted transformation rather than techniques. Thomas Merton in New Seeds of Contemplation makes the same point about grace reshaping desire, calling contemplative life a surrender to what God gives.
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