throughout the day asserting that a “particular calling, with which I may either mingle
some actings of grace, or ejaculatory duties, as suddenly to look up to heaven, and to
behold the face of God, to whom I am to approve my self in my particular calling.”^234
A contemporary adaptation of this approach could correct the fragmented division of
sacred and secular and assist Christians in recognizing God’s presence throughout the
day, regardless of their tasks. It could also bring a renewed focus of contemplative
gratitude to whatever activity a person was involved in since the actions would be
renewed through prayer and the prayers would motivate new action and engagement.
Seventh, Ambrose challenges his readers to discover and develop a language
of delight and enjoyment in their experience of God. This principle summarizes
many of the previous themes and reflects numerous Reformed theological principles
of Ambrose. A person is able to experience God because of God’s gracious
invitation. When a person responds to God’s Spirit and lives in spiritual marriage
with Jesus he or she can grow in deeper contemplative delight and love through
spiritual practices. As in any growing relationship of intimacy desire and enjoyment
are important elements. Maturing relationships can challenge individuals to find
adequate language to express the depth and passion of their love. Chapter 5
uncovered Ambrose’s usage of the erotic language of the Song of Songs to speak of
both being ravished by the love of Jesus and ravishing Jesus with love. To illustrate
the former he asserts, “[a]nd in this kinde of love of God, and enjoyment of
themselves in God, the Saints are ravished with God and are in a kind of extasie
eternally.”^235 While the language of ravishment could be problematic in the
contemporary over-sexed culture it could also perhaps begin to transform the world
234
235 Ambrose, Ambrose, Redeeming the TimeMedia (1657), 260-1., 19.