St. John of the Cross - The Seeds of His Spiritual Wisdom

Psalm 28:2,7

Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my prayer.

Hear the sound of my pleading

When I cry to you,

Lifting my hands 

Toward Your most holy sanctuary.

Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my prayer.

The Lord is my strength

And my shield.

In Him my heart trusts, 

And I find help;

Then my heart exults,

And with my song,

I give Him thanks.

Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my prayer.

Sacred Pit (Dungeon) - Gallicantu St. Peter's Church (Jerusalem)
(c) Wikicommons 2008

However, it was during this time of abuse that some of the greatest spiritual treasures to fill our Church were born. Father John, in the darkness of this prison, composed numerous poems, including The Dark Night of the Soul and portions of The Spiritual Canticle.  God did not allow this abuse to go fruitless.  Father John grew deep in the spiritual life and entered into interior freedom through his prayer and surrender to God.

-My Catholic Life

"Introduction - Biographical Information"

The Mystical Journey to Divine Union: Spiritual Wisdom from St. John of the Cross

"Surrounded" (Fight My Battles)

Michael W. Smith