The

Pursuit

of

God

A. W. Tozer

© 2006 by Zur Ltd.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Tozer, A. W., 1897–1963

The Pursuit of God / A. W. Tozer.

ISBN: 978-1-60066-015-3

Foreword

The Pursuit of God was the fruit of A. W. Tozer’s spiritual exploration into the essence of God’s nature. What resulted from the efforts of this obscure pastor from the southside of Chicago has left a profound mark on the evangelical church.

The 1948 publication of this book thrust Tozer into a respected position of spiritual leadership that he maintained for the remainder of his life. Tozer’s ministry became a spiritual oasis for those of the “fellowship of the burning heart,” to use a phrase he delighted in.

I was fifteen when I first discovered The Pursuit of God. I have read it twenty times or more. Each time I read it my soul is ministered to in a fresh way. The discovery of The Pursuit of God also started me on a journey into the life of this intriguing man.

Tozer’s walk with God was a priority with him and he allowed nothing to interfere. It was the basis of his attraction to the Christian mystics. Their absorption in the daily practice of the presence of God was a stimulus for him and he delighted in their spiritual fellowship. He could forgive anyone almost anything if he discovered they had pure intent toward God.

Dr. Tozer’s prayer life was quite remarkable. His regular habit was to sprawl on his study floor, facedown, and worship God. Often, according to his own testimony, he would lie in silent, wordless worship of God, usually oblivious to his surroundings. Such prayer and worship marked the foundation of his study and preparation for public ministry.

The desire to worship God and to inspire others to a deeper awareness of God are clearly evident in The Pursuit of God. For the person thirsting for the things of God without distracting embellishments, this book will become a faithful companion. There are some books that can be enjoyed with one reading, others are enhanced by many readings. The Pursuit of God is one of the latter.

Rev. James L. Snyder

March 1993

Tozer’s Legacy

Quietness of soul, the fruit of truly seeking God, is seldom found in twentieth-century Christians. Far too many have come to accept turbulence of soul as the norm and have ceased to seek God with their whole hearts. Some have fled the cities to cloistered retreats in the hope of finding this quietness, only to discover their hearts still restless.

One unusual American minister who found for his own soul the secret of quietness and articulated his discovery to the Christian community was A.W. Tozer. He came upon this closer walk with God in the bustle and noise of the city of Chicago. Tozer never enjoyed the luxury of a cloistered life. Born in a poor home in the hills of western Pennsylvania, he had known hardship from as long as he could remember. Forced by his home situation to forfeit an education, Tozer entered the ministry without either high school or college training....