Where have all the mystics gone?

"There is probably nothing more truly radical than real persons of prayer because they are beholding to no ideology or economic system, but only to God. Both church and state are honestly threatened by true mystics. They can't be bought off because their rewards are elsewhere." ("Everything Belongs," Richard Rohr)

When I think of mystics, I can not help but think of A.W. Tozer, who is probably the closest thing we have to a true mystic in the Protestant tradition. The longtime Christian and Missionary Alliance preacher died in 1963, but his words live on through the scores of books and recorded sermons attributed to the man many call a prophet.

He was also an editor, leading the house organ of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Biographer James L. Snyder writes, "Under Tozer's leadership, the magazine's circulation doubled. Alliance Life, more than any one thing, established Tozer as a spokesman for the Alliance and to the evangelical church at large." ("In Pursuit of God: The Life of A.W. Tozer," 1991, Christian Publications, Camp Hill, Pa., p5)

Still, it was Tozer's life of prayer that is most inspiring, even intriguing. His attitude in prayer was one of unhindered and unabashed communication with God. This was so evident, Snyder says, that, "Often when Tozer prayed people felt as though God was right at this elbow. Sometimes they were tempted to open their eyes to see."

His posture in prayer would vary: sometimes kneeling erect, other times "totally prostrated on the floor, a piece of paper under his face to keep him from breathing carpet dust."

His attitude was one of reverent expectancy.

Ever since becoming aware of Tozer's legacy -- mostly learned through the writings of others, as well as his own, including "The Pursuit of God" -- I have been inspired by this focus on prayer as not just an intercessory action, but one of mystic communion with God.

Raymond McAfee, a longtime associate of Tozer's, tells the following story of prayer with the Chicago mystic:

"Tozer knelt by his chair, took off his glasses and laid them on the chair. Resting on his bent ankles, he clasped his hands together, raised his face with his eyes closed and began: 'O God, we are before Thee.' With that there came a rush of God's presence that filled the room. We both worshiped in silent ecstasy and wonder and adoration. I've never forgotten that moment, and I don't want to forget it." (Snyder, p145)

Experiences such as that are not the norm for most of us Christians -- but, why not? The mystic experience is nothing more than the mystery of experiencing God's presence in prayer.

Perhaps if we, too, regularly and humbly approached God with reverent expectancy there would once again be power in our preaching and teaching, drawing multitudes to the one whose presence has the ability to fill us with "wonder and adoration."

And if so, perhaps we would not feel so threatened ...

Grace and peace ...