Part I

“Faith is certitude in existence. I think mysticism professes this. It is the mystic’s faith which enables him or her to transcend quotidian consciousness….The prophet takes over where the mystic stops. The mystic is ascent; the prophet is descent.” —William Everson

A definition: “A prophet is basically a spokesman for G-d, a person chosen by G-d to speak to people on G-d’s behalf and convey a message or  teaching. Prophets were role models of holiness, scholarship and closeness to G-d. They set the standards for the entire community.”   http://www.jewfaq.org/prophet.htm

You and I have both a mystic capacity and a prophet capability within us. The mystic in us looks to the spiritual, the transcendent quality of being and of life. Meister Eckhart was a notable German mystic, philosopher, and theologian. His quotes and writings are popular, moving, and readily available. Mystics demonstrate the possibilities of living a spiritual life and receive guidance and direction from the higher power, God within consciousness or individual being.

Furthermore, we touch the mystical in us during prayer. And encourage the mystical union between the Divine and the human in meditation and through our desire to know God, surrendering to the holy inside us. It is going within and asking for divine guidance/inner light then following the spiritual wisdom received. Jesus demonstrated mysticism when he went to the ‘Father within.’ It is the decision to rise from human thinking and doing to join with the spiritual energy, strength, will and way.

Every time the Hebrew nation needed leadership, direction, and the get-it-done attitude a prophet came forth. The prophet in us may go to the mountaintop or encounter the burning bush such as Moses did. However, then he or she gets to work. The prophet provides instruction to others and is the voice of authority, leading and revealing the way. Moses and Elijah are wonderful examples of the prophet within. Moses leading the Children of Israel from slavery into freedom–while at the same time encouraging and giving rules of conduct and laws, establishing order and everyday guidance to the people.

In addition, Elijah expressed both qualities, the certitude and the quotidian. For Elijah as a mystic displayed pure and unwavering faith in God and did as the voice of the divine instructed. He listened and heard the “sound of sheer silence’ in 1 Kings 19:12 then followed God’s charge. Another occasion of Elijah as a prophet is in 1 Kings 17: 7–16: At this point, the prophet Elijah at Zarephath gave practical direction, assurance, and immediate help to the impoverished and desperate widow. She prospered as a result.

Positively, look within yourself and identify your prophet and mystic. Which one is more pronounced? One may need additional encouragement and development. There is a fine balance between the two; for both expressions in us are needed, giving our selfhood balance, stability, transcendence, Divine strength and everyday practicality. Hence, the mystic within gives sustaining power and daily light for your path. Whereas the prophet in you carries the divine directions out through you, performing the meaningful and mundane daily work.