In this classic text, Thomas Merton offers valuable guidance for prayer. He brings together a wealth of meditative and mystical influences–fr...
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Nov 05, 2011
Contemplation, prayer, meditation, silence, solitude, mindfulness. This is the area of my spiritual life that attracts me the most. What does it mean to practice these disciplines of the spiritual life? How are they the same? How are they different? A dear friend of mine who is pursuing the inner life asked me two weeks ago what prayer is and what the difference is between prayer and meditation. I had set this book on the shelf months ago. I picked it up this morning and started reading where I
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Nov 30, 2009
Jessica
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This book was written for an audience that does not include me, so the fact that it did not speak to me is not surprising. Nonetheless, I found much to think about in the discussion of what contemplative living and meditation is, and even more specifically, what it isn't. The last few chapters of the book discuss the pitfalls of assuming certain superficial adjustments to beliefs and lifestyles constitutes entering the contemplative or religious life, when in fact what is entered is a life of em
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Dec 08, 2009
Jonathan
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Great book on contemplative prayer. Really helped me to understand how to strip away preconceptions, dogma, and doctrine to come to God Alone.
It was also a total mindf*ck and convinced me not to be a monk.
It was also a total mindf*ck and convinced me not to be a monk.
Sep 02, 2009
mike
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The climate in which monastic prayer flowers is that of the desert, where the comfort of man is absent, where the secure routines of man's city offer no support, and where prayer must be sustained by God in the purity of faith (p 27).
Feb 23, 2009
Jodi
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More solid wisdom from Merton. Definitely not a system for meditation, but wise reflections on what contemplation actually is and how we should approach it.
May 15, 2011
Adrienne
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Thomas Merton is my fav philosopher of all time. A monk who finds equal value and beauty in Eastern and Catholic traditions. Great mix of ideas.
Dec 03, 2011
Scott
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Finally completed this. For a small book, it sure took me a while. I would read a few chapters here and there throughout the fall.
There are some good quotes and nice thoughts on prayer and contemplation. I've even used a few in my teaching at church this autumn.
But overall I didn't enjoy the book or find much that was inspiring or engaging about it. It is mostly written about the monastic life of contemplation and, frankly, I wasn't interested. Clearly I am a child o More...
There are some good quotes and nice thoughts on prayer and contemplation. I've even used a few in my teaching at church this autumn.
But overall I didn't enjoy the book or find much that was inspiring or engaging about it. It is mostly written about the monastic life of contemplation and, frankly, I wasn't interested. Clearly I am a child o More...
Jan 25, 2011
Cate
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Can't go wrong with Merton. The foreword by Thich Nhat Hahn just adds to the spiritual sweetness.
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Sep 17, 2009
Phil
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One does not read Merton to acquire knowledge, but insight and (God willing) insight.
Mar 04, 2009
Dean P.
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In general I think Merton did a good job with this book, but it seems at times that he wrote too much. This book could have easily been 3-5 chapters shorter than it is, and for that I don't feel like it was a "great" book. I liked it and I liked what he had to say, but he could have said it in well under 100 pages.
Feb 04, 2008
Rick
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Several years ago when I was in Segovia, Spain, I retreated into the majestic cathedral from the Castilian heat of early Fall. I remember the tinted golden light illuminating the mammoth interior and observed people in repose, immersed in prayer. I do not pray but the setting I was in felt like a giant telephonic chamber for God but you silently spoke to her. The silence and stillness in the cathedral was overwhelming and yet also comforting.
Aug 19, 2011
Adam
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Full review http://bookwi.se/contemplative-prayer-by...
Short review: I am reading through books on prayer from different Christian theological perspectives. This book was written for monks, but there are several very good sections that are useful for all. It was the last book written by Merton before he died in 1968. I have put it on my list of books to re-read in six months.
Short review: I am reading through books on prayer from different Christian theological perspectives. This book was written for monks, but there are several very good sections that are useful for all. It was the last book written by Merton before he died in 1968. I have put it on my list of books to re-read in six months.
May 09, 2011
Alexis
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I feel like I should read it all over again after going to the retreat and probably once a year - but for now it is shelved with the 'read' books. Very good, IF you are exploring the area of contemplative prayer and getting yourself closer to God.
Previous comment: I am going to a Contemplative Prayer Retreat in 2 weeks, trying to be prepared as I am a complete beginner...
Previous comment: I am going to a Contemplative Prayer Retreat in 2 weeks, trying to be prepared as I am a complete beginner...
Jun 18, 2008
Chris
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A little scattered, in typical Mertonian style. Filled with some real ringing statements, though. Continuing to wrestle with its full implications.
Feb 14, 2009
Adam
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I had a hard time tracking with Merton. I know the book's about contemplative prayer, but I don't quite understand how what he wrote connects.
May 07, 2010
Barbara
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I generally have a hard time reading Christian contemplatives because I have a hard time getting through the Christian jargon. In moments, Merton's insights cut to the chase simply and clearly. After all, this is the man who said: Prayer and love are learned in the hour when prayer becomes impossible and your heart has turned to stone.
Feb 11, 2012
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