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Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Practice of Contemplation
Sitting in stillness, the practice of meditation, and the cultivation of awareness are commonly thought to be the preserves of Hindus and Buddhists. Martin Laird shows that the Christian tradition of contemplation has its own refined teachings on using a prayer word to focus the mind, working with the breath to cultivate stillness, and the practice of inner vigilance or awareness. But this book is not a mere historical survey of these teachings. In Into the Silent Land , we see the ancient wisdom of both the Christian East and West brought sharply to bear on the modern-day longing for radical openness to God in the depths of the heart.Laird's book is not like the many presentations for beginners. While useful for those just starting out, this book serves especially as a guide for those who desire to journey yet deeper into the silence of God. The heart of the book focuses on negotiating key moments of struggle on the contemplative path, when the whirlwind of distractions or the brick wall of boredom makes it difficult to continue. Laird shows that these inner struggles, even wounds, that any person of prayer must face, are like riddles, trying to draw out of us our own inner silence. Ultimately Laird shows how the wounds we loathe become vehicles of the healing silence we seek, beyond technique and achievement.Throughout the language is fresh, direct, and focused on real-life examples of people whose lives are incomparably enriched by the practice of contemplation.
154 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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March 14, 2019
I have read this book twice. Below are separate reviews of each read.
2014 Review
This book came recommended by my spiritual director. It has been waiting for me for several months . . . perhaps representing some of the ambivalence I face in the practice of contemplative prayer (or perhaps more specifically known in the Christian tradition as "centering prayer").
Laird recognizes that contemplative prayer has its variants in many different religious traditions but makes no apologies for placing this book solidly in the Christian tradition. In so doing, he quotes a significant amount of scripture, particularly early on.
How much I have depended on words throughout my life to ground me in theology and in my spiritual practices. I love words. This love in part explains my attraction to two of my favourite practices in life - reading and writing. Yet the contemplative journey has opened up for me a vast new ground of experience with God that is beyond words - the words that keep me in my intellect. Instead, a new path has been opened to me that leads me deep into my heart where I may become one in loving union with God. This is where meaningful spiritual formation takes place - a transformation not of my own doing through the exercise of my willpower (Dallas Willard taught me that) but through the grace of God as I follow spiritual practices that remove the impediments to this grace. I have come to see the parable that Jesus offers in Mark 4:26-29 as one that perhaps best describes this process: "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how."
In this classic work on contemplation, Laird is a reliable guide that reveals how words - specifically the endless chatter and commentary in our minds - serves as the primary barrier that keeps us from a deeper place of union with God. It is only through our journey "into the silent land" that we can "be still and know that I am God". And this journey inevitably brings us face-to-face with our wounds. Laird knows that it is at this point that many abandon the quest and settle for some other form of less demanding "spiritual entertainment".
This may be the best and most clear presentation I have encountered on centering prayer and its central role in the contemplative journey. It has refueled my desire to continue along this path despite the inevitable fits and starts that I have faced in the effort.
2019 Review
Less than 3 months ago I retired from my vocation. I am taking this year to rest . . . and to wait. I do not know what will come next.
I have longed for the emptiness that this time will offer . . . and I have been afraid of it. The spaciousness has been a welcome delight in so many ways. And yet it has also proved, perhaps predictably, fertile ground for the mind ruminations that tend to flourish best when one is not constantly preoccupied with task and activity.
This week I read that Jesus dwelled with the beasts during his 40 days in the desert. Consolation for me as I consider the beasts that I am encountering in my own present desert of vocation and productivity. The beasts of my own constant mental commentary with related emotional disturbances.
Perhaps the recognition that the “freedom” of my retirement could easily become the new “prison” of my distracted thoughts and emotions, has drawn me to look for guidance in my Christian contemplative tradition. I found a book that I had purchased some time ago and started to read it. When I realized that it was the sequel to Martin Laird’s Into the Silent Land, I decided to start with a re-reading of this classic. I soon recalled why this book had such a significant impact on me the first time I read it.
Into the Silent Land has offered me the wonderful gift of reminding me of the strong appeal that Christian contemplative practice holds for me. Once again I have been welcomed into the Silent Land. I have been inspired to dive back into some of the contemplative prayer practices that I had set aside in recent years. Set aside in part because of the need for purification of my motivation for participation - I so easily turn even the most wholesome activity into an opportunity for spiritual performance and smug achievement. Although I do not deny that these impure motivations still exist, I find myself now poised to dive back in out of desperation for some of the inner peace that silence has offered to me in the past. A renewed desire to step into the “cloud of unknowing” that is the ineffable love of God.
Once again, Martin Laird proves himself to be a capable teacher and guide. I cannot think of another book I have read that more effectively combines the essence of Christian contemplative prayer with the core of psychotherapy wisdom that I have been able to assemble during my 30 year vocation in mental health practice.
2014 Review
This book came recommended by my spiritual director. It has been waiting for me for several months . . . perhaps representing some of the ambivalence I face in the practice of contemplative prayer (or perhaps more specifically known in the Christian tradition as "centering prayer").
Laird recognizes that contemplative prayer has its variants in many different religious traditions but makes no apologies for placing this book solidly in the Christian tradition. In so doing, he quotes a significant amount of scripture, particularly early on.
How much I have depended on words throughout my life to ground me in theology and in my spiritual practices. I love words. This love in part explains my attraction to two of my favourite practices in life - reading and writing. Yet the contemplative journey has opened up for me a vast new ground of experience with God that is beyond words - the words that keep me in my intellect. Instead, a new path has been opened to me that leads me deep into my heart where I may become one in loving union with God. This is where meaningful spiritual formation takes place - a transformation not of my own doing through the exercise of my willpower (Dallas Willard taught me that) but through the grace of God as I follow spiritual practices that remove the impediments to this grace. I have come to see the parable that Jesus offers in Mark 4:26-29 as one that perhaps best describes this process: "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how."
In this classic work on contemplation, Laird is a reliable guide that reveals how words - specifically the endless chatter and commentary in our minds - serves as the primary barrier that keeps us from a deeper place of union with God. It is only through our journey "into the silent land" that we can "be still and know that I am God". And this journey inevitably brings us face-to-face with our wounds. Laird knows that it is at this point that many abandon the quest and settle for some other form of less demanding "spiritual entertainment".
This may be the best and most clear presentation I have encountered on centering prayer and its central role in the contemplative journey. It has refueled my desire to continue along this path despite the inevitable fits and starts that I have faced in the effort.
2019 Review
Less than 3 months ago I retired from my vocation. I am taking this year to rest . . . and to wait. I do not know what will come next.
I have longed for the emptiness that this time will offer . . . and I have been afraid of it. The spaciousness has been a welcome delight in so many ways. And yet it has also proved, perhaps predictably, fertile ground for the mind ruminations that tend to flourish best when one is not constantly preoccupied with task and activity.
This week I read that Jesus dwelled with the beasts during his 40 days in the desert. Consolation for me as I consider the beasts that I am encountering in my own present desert of vocation and productivity. The beasts of my own constant mental commentary with related emotional disturbances.
Perhaps the recognition that the “freedom” of my retirement could easily become the new “prison” of my distracted thoughts and emotions, has drawn me to look for guidance in my Christian contemplative tradition. I found a book that I had purchased some time ago and started to read it. When I realized that it was the sequel to Martin Laird’s Into the Silent Land, I decided to start with a re-reading of this classic. I soon recalled why this book had such a significant impact on me the first time I read it.
Into the Silent Land has offered me the wonderful gift of reminding me of the strong appeal that Christian contemplative practice holds for me. Once again I have been welcomed into the Silent Land. I have been inspired to dive back into some of the contemplative prayer practices that I had set aside in recent years. Set aside in part because of the need for purification of my motivation for participation - I so easily turn even the most wholesome activity into an opportunity for spiritual performance and smug achievement. Although I do not deny that these impure motivations still exist, I find myself now poised to dive back in out of desperation for some of the inner peace that silence has offered to me in the past. A renewed desire to step into the “cloud of unknowing” that is the ineffable love of God.
Once again, Martin Laird proves himself to be a capable teacher and guide. I cannot think of another book I have read that more effectively combines the essence of Christian contemplative prayer with the core of psychotherapy wisdom that I have been able to assemble during my 30 year vocation in mental health practice.
October 17, 2011
Don't make the mistake of thinking you are the weather ...good weather, bad weather, stormy weather...you are the mountain, God's dwelling place. Simple, yet revolutionary.
September 11, 2009
This is book on cultivating silent and contemplative prayer. Unlike some books on the topic, it is neither ethereal or abstract. Instead it offers practical advice about how to grow into your personal practice of silence.
One piece of practical advice which I found particularly helpful was what to do with distracting thoughts. Other books on contemplative prayer simply say acknowledge the thought and move on. This book argued that contemplation happened not in the absence of thought, or in our ability to stuff thoughts down, but rather in our ability to let thoughts come without following them with a string of thoughts commenting and building upon them. Thus silent prayer isn't about repression but about cultivating attention to God amidst the distractions.
Beyond this, Laird's advice extends to breathing, posture, setting aside a regular time, the use of a prayer word or phrase to cultivate attention to God. Not really anything revolutionary that isn't said in other books of prayer. But it was said well none the less.
One piece of practical advice which I found particularly helpful was what to do with distracting thoughts. Other books on contemplative prayer simply say acknowledge the thought and move on. This book argued that contemplation happened not in the absence of thought, or in our ability to stuff thoughts down, but rather in our ability to let thoughts come without following them with a string of thoughts commenting and building upon them. Thus silent prayer isn't about repression but about cultivating attention to God amidst the distractions.
Beyond this, Laird's advice extends to breathing, posture, setting aside a regular time, the use of a prayer word or phrase to cultivate attention to God. Not really anything revolutionary that isn't said in other books of prayer. But it was said well none the less.
March 12, 2020
Who are we, underneath all the noise and striving? Laird helps us hold space to know our truest identity hidden in Christ with God—the self that rests secure in the silence of God. He blends beautiful prose, authoritative expertise, rich theology, and stories that enliven and express how truly possible and good contemplative prayer is.
The book was so beautiful I almost didn’t write a review, because I knew my little offering couldn’t touch how good this was.
My only issue: at moments Laird’s view of emotions and thoughts felt unnecessarily dualistic. For many Christians, already prone to dualistic distrust of the body, his earlier discussion of emotions like fear may lead them to further dismiss emotions as a dark part of humanity that detaches us from God. This couldn’t be farther from the truth (or, I believe, from Laird’s actual position). However, someone who has been reading contemplative Christian writing for a while will be able to follow his argument without demonizing the body. If this book had an added layer of interpersonal neurobiology, showing how emotions, thoughts, and silence work in our bodies, it would have been 5 stars.
Extra bonus: Laird’s thoughts on suffering and our wounds are some of the most exquisite theological writing I’ve seen on suffering in quite some time.
The book was so beautiful I almost didn’t write a review, because I knew my little offering couldn’t touch how good this was.
My only issue: at moments Laird’s view of emotions and thoughts felt unnecessarily dualistic. For many Christians, already prone to dualistic distrust of the body, his earlier discussion of emotions like fear may lead them to further dismiss emotions as a dark part of humanity that detaches us from God. This couldn’t be farther from the truth (or, I believe, from Laird’s actual position). However, someone who has been reading contemplative Christian writing for a while will be able to follow his argument without demonizing the body. If this book had an added layer of interpersonal neurobiology, showing how emotions, thoughts, and silence work in our bodies, it would have been 5 stars.
Extra bonus: Laird’s thoughts on suffering and our wounds are some of the most exquisite theological writing I’ve seen on suffering in quite some time.
February 8, 2012
This is the book I will be referencing the most I think. He has an amazing approach to the ancient contemplative practice of contemplative prayer. It is very similar to centering prayer but just uses a little bit different language. Its not quite so specific, which is why I think it lends itself really well to us for this season. It provides some amazing tools, resources and outlook to moving into prayer, silence and the art of letting go. This is a small book but it packs a punch. I would highly recommend it, especially if you want to be able to read the full commentaries I will be referencing. Even if you don't decide you want to read a book this is the book I would say to get to just have on hand. At some point you will want to read it. Believe me.
September 27, 2023
This book might've changed my life. I awfully hope it did. I might not start it right over again, but maybe in a couple of weeks or so. That good, that helpful.
April 18, 2025
This is a real, honest, practical guide to a form of Christian contemplation. It explains things like how to sit and breathe. It is also deeply moving, without ever leaving the practical realm of 'what can I do to know God more.' I highly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their faith.
Added plus, references to Franny and Zooey, Twain, and plenty of other great lit (of course also desert fathers, the bible, fathers of the church, etc. but those are sort of expected).
Added plus, references to Franny and Zooey, Twain, and plenty of other great lit (of course also desert fathers, the bible, fathers of the church, etc. but those are sort of expected).
February 27, 2015
One of the best books on the practice of contemplation I've yet read. It belongs alongside Keating, Merton, and the classics from which it draws so deeply and richly. At every turn Laird moves beyond instruction to a deeper pastoral treatment. His writing is like sitting under the tutelage of a wise teacher, who offers instruction and exposes us to the timeless masters, yet who also holds our hand as we continue into the vast, bottomless darkness where we find our footing in God's care.
There is practical instruction in things like posture, breathing, the prayer word, etc. There is navigation through obstacles, distractions, frustrations, etc. And there is also careful guidance in employing contemplative practice in confronting fear, chronic pain, and even addiction. Especially touching is the final section on "The Liturgy of Our Wounds," in which we discover, "The doorway into the silent land is a wound. Silence lays bare this wound. We do not journey far along the spiritual path before we get some sense of the wound of the human condition, and this is precisely why not a few abandon a contemplative practice like meditation as soon as it begins to expose this wound; they move on instead to some spiritual entertainment that will maintain distraction." Not for the faint of heart, yet very accessible in its employment of real-life case studies, poetry, and winsome anecdotes.
This book is most highly recommended for any desiring to pursue contemplative practice...who desire to enter "into the silent land."
There is practical instruction in things like posture, breathing, the prayer word, etc. There is navigation through obstacles, distractions, frustrations, etc. And there is also careful guidance in employing contemplative practice in confronting fear, chronic pain, and even addiction. Especially touching is the final section on "The Liturgy of Our Wounds," in which we discover, "The doorway into the silent land is a wound. Silence lays bare this wound. We do not journey far along the spiritual path before we get some sense of the wound of the human condition, and this is precisely why not a few abandon a contemplative practice like meditation as soon as it begins to expose this wound; they move on instead to some spiritual entertainment that will maintain distraction." Not for the faint of heart, yet very accessible in its employment of real-life case studies, poetry, and winsome anecdotes.
This book is most highly recommended for any desiring to pursue contemplative practice...who desire to enter "into the silent land."
April 1, 2014
This is a wonderful guide to the Christian Practice of contemplation. Accessible to Christian believers and doubters alike. If you struggle with who God is and who you are, feel separate from God, from other people and creation, this guide may help reground you; that is if you are willing to hone the practice of stillness. No final answers here, indeed it is in acknowledging our unknowing that we are able to go deeper into God in "complete incomprehension." Laird presents an ancient skill familiar to Christian, Buddhist, and other traditions. He breaks practice into three steps or doorways we are invited to cross until we are mainly silent, "gazing into luminous vastness that streams out as our own awareness." "The bottom line," he says, "is this: minimize time given over to chasing thoughts, dramatizing them in grand videos, and believing these videos to be your identity. Otherwise life will pass you by." This is sage advise, on a physical, psychological as well as a spiritual plane. Though we finally have no goal, we begin to see ourselves not as victims of our thoughts and feelings, but as silent witness. Should we finally master the question 'Who am I?' we are invited to answer another: 'Who is Jesus Christ?'
March 18, 2023
“God does not know how to be absent. The fact that most of us experience throughout most of our lives a sense of absence or distance from God is the great illusion that we are caught up in; it is the human condition.”
“And so we run in tight, little circles, even while immersed in open fields of grace and freedom.”
A cheeky book on prayer that calls you out and calls you higher. Very practical and extremely insightful. To be honest, I felt very out of my league reading this but man oh man, good content.
“And so we run in tight, little circles, even while immersed in open fields of grace and freedom.”
A cheeky book on prayer that calls you out and calls you higher. Very practical and extremely insightful. To be honest, I felt very out of my league reading this but man oh man, good content.
Read
August 15, 2015Silence can--and must--be practiced.
November 12, 2025
Took me forever to finish but I’m so glad I did. Laird introduces some very fascinating, complex, and ultimately mystical concepts, some of which I’ve made peace with the fact that I will not fully understand on this side of eternity. It’s also the kind of book in which you’re not just reading Laird, but through his wealth of sources, learning from many other great thinkers too, like Merton and Eckhart.
January 9, 2024
Another read for class, but wow, I would recommend it highly!
I am far from familiar and comfortable with contemplative prayer, and engaging in it still requires a lot of intention and practice on my part, but Laird paints a compelling picture as to why it is crucial to the experience of life with Christ, and how it will shape us further into disciples that embody our God well in the world.
My evangelical upbringing left me clenching and uncertain as I read, but the soft natured writing of Laird, combined with his deep wisdom and his continual reliance on the history of believers who have engaged in contemplation throughout time and space, softened my heart, and allowed me to drink deep from the wells of these pages!
Contemplation is uncomfortable for us because silence is foreign to us. Contemplation is confusing to us because we have such a individualized vision of our body in relation to God, humanity and the world. I will have to read this over again to glean what I can from Laird's discussions, but I will say, my favorite chapter was the last one titled "The Liturgy of our Wounds". It was a beautifully thorough and breathtaking analyses of how our pain and brokennes, because of the resurrection, now exists as a doorway to God Himself.
I am far from familiar and comfortable with contemplative prayer, and engaging in it still requires a lot of intention and practice on my part, but Laird paints a compelling picture as to why it is crucial to the experience of life with Christ, and how it will shape us further into disciples that embody our God well in the world.
My evangelical upbringing left me clenching and uncertain as I read, but the soft natured writing of Laird, combined with his deep wisdom and his continual reliance on the history of believers who have engaged in contemplation throughout time and space, softened my heart, and allowed me to drink deep from the wells of these pages!
Contemplation is uncomfortable for us because silence is foreign to us. Contemplation is confusing to us because we have such a individualized vision of our body in relation to God, humanity and the world. I will have to read this over again to glean what I can from Laird's discussions, but I will say, my favorite chapter was the last one titled "The Liturgy of our Wounds". It was a beautifully thorough and breathtaking analyses of how our pain and brokennes, because of the resurrection, now exists as a doorway to God Himself.
July 10, 2024
Be still and know... This is a beautiful read and I really appreciate the blessings and growth we obtain as we sit still with the Lord. One thing I have done that has blessed me is to sit still after having my morning devotion/prayer time - it allows me be still enough to hear the Lord speak to my soul, to answer me, give me counsel, guidance and most importantly correction. This way of being still with the Lord in breath slows my mind as I rest in His ways and stillness.
May 10, 2021
This was a quiet book with a long string of wise words written over many centuries. Scripture, desert fathers, and saints all have a voice in these pages that inspire an understanding of contemplative prayer. A sweet nugget is also at the very end of the book in the epilogue.
July 15, 2023
[Read with friends for a book study hosted by a local church.]
This here born-and-raised-then-ran-away-then-came-back Presbyterian was absurdly uncomfortable while reading some of the early portions of this book! Ahhh!! Contemplation!!! And there were a handful of theological points I couldn’t fully get behind. But I benefited deeply from being pushed outside my comfort zone and biblically reckoning further with how the Lord makes himself available to his people and how we ought to remain attentive to him even when (perhaps especially when) we perceive him to be far away. For the most part, the text and its ideas remained startlingly aligned with much reformed tradition while drawing from a well of Christian liturgical and contemplative traditions we ought never to have abandoned. There were a lot of cool crossovers between what I’ve been working on in CBT and what I’ve wrestled with / been convicted of theologically throughout the years. Ultimately a challenging, formative, and beautiful read.
This here born-and-raised-then-ran-away-then-came-back Presbyterian was absurdly uncomfortable while reading some of the early portions of this book! Ahhh!! Contemplation!!! And there were a handful of theological points I couldn’t fully get behind. But I benefited deeply from being pushed outside my comfort zone and biblically reckoning further with how the Lord makes himself available to his people and how we ought to remain attentive to him even when (perhaps especially when) we perceive him to be far away. For the most part, the text and its ideas remained startlingly aligned with much reformed tradition while drawing from a well of Christian liturgical and contemplative traditions we ought never to have abandoned. There were a lot of cool crossovers between what I’ve been working on in CBT and what I’ve wrestled with / been convicted of theologically throughout the years. Ultimately a challenging, formative, and beautiful read.
Read
March 12, 2025Meditating is effing hard dude
September 29, 2022
Practical. Insightful throughout much of the book for those investigating contemplative practice. At the same time, frequently theologically questionable - fuzzy on sin, embracing of all diversity, hinted affirmation of all religious practice as realising union with God and, most notably, blurring of creator and creature at points, in spite of him saying explicitly that wasn’t what he was doing (saying it doesn’t make it true!)
Possible that’s just reflections of a Protestant reading a catholic writer and theology though!
Regardless, highly enjoyed it and would recommend it (with some caveats!)
Possible that’s just reflections of a Protestant reading a catholic writer and theology though!
Regardless, highly enjoyed it and would recommend it (with some caveats!)
September 13, 2025
While there are some nuggets of wisdom tucked away in its pages, I found the overall book disappointing. The author sometimes veers into forms of mysticism that border on panentheism. Reflections on scripture and the desert fathers are occasionally helpful, but sometimes confusing.. The best parts of the book are those that are most practical – about staying in the present, dealing with distraction, etc. But these instructions can be found in better books that are more grounded in classic evangelical doctrine.
October 28, 2024
This book has served as a bit of a lightning bolt for me, in putting right several internalized assumptions I have built up along the way in my life with Christ. The world I was a part of in Sovereign Grace Churches (and a greater part of the Reformed world too) taught me that my most fundamental nature, while being made in the image of God, was "Sinner". That is, while Christ loves me, I had internalized the great confession of SGC "I am the worst sinner I know". Not only is this absolute hogwash, but it's toxic for your mental sanity, let alone the health of your soul. This book helps put this right by tapping into the profoundly biblical picture, that the Desert Fathers articulated, along with mystics through the age: Christ is in you - he is your essential nature. Laird quotes from "The Cloud of Unknown" (which, while having read it, I apparently didn't understand it), "God is your being and what you are you are in God... But you are not God's being". Which is just another way of saying that the great mystery of the faith is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27).
I could quote extensively from this book but that is not the point. The book is profoundly helpful and practical in walking us into the inner world where we discover the God of Love, who has been there the entire time. We are the branches, he is the Vine - branches are an expression of their branch.
I could quote extensively from this book but that is not the point. The book is profoundly helpful and practical in walking us into the inner world where we discover the God of Love, who has been there the entire time. We are the branches, he is the Vine - branches are an expression of their branch.
September 26, 2014
An elegantly-written guide to the contemplative life in a Christian context. Self-awareness begins with coming to grips with the fact that we are not our thoughts. The core of our personalities is a solid bedrock onto which our minds project our thoughts, feelings, fears, etc. We are not the weather above Mt. Zion. We are Mt. Zion. Through the practice of silence, we can see through the various forms of chatter the mind lays over our innermost selves - the "videos", as Laird often refers to them - to find the kernel of our being.
As a Jung enthusiast, I found Laird's references to the MBTI rather interesting. There are certainly interesting parallels with Jung's thought. The inner silence Laird is looking at seems to be what Jung thought of as the unconscious; we don't really see it because it is masked by the "clothing" which we mistakenly take to be our true selves. Even something as descriptive as the MBTI is simply another layer of clothing. There is a deeper part of us. Silence allows us to see the chaotic thoughts that crowd our minds as mere drops of water in a vast sea of consciousness, thus taking away their power to obstruct us.
A book to continually return to.
As a Jung enthusiast, I found Laird's references to the MBTI rather interesting. There are certainly interesting parallels with Jung's thought. The inner silence Laird is looking at seems to be what Jung thought of as the unconscious; we don't really see it because it is masked by the "clothing" which we mistakenly take to be our true selves. Even something as descriptive as the MBTI is simply another layer of clothing. There is a deeper part of us. Silence allows us to see the chaotic thoughts that crowd our minds as mere drops of water in a vast sea of consciousness, thus taking away their power to obstruct us.
A book to continually return to.
September 16, 2014
One of the best books on prayer I've ever read - I often find them unreadable, actually. This one got me. A bit serious, and ends with an odd little fable about a "failed monk," but insightful, useful guidance and advice on mental or contemplative prayer. "Looking over the shoulder" of your distracting thoughts has really helped my meditation practice. He uses a lot of sources, from ancient to contemporary, and writes in a very accessible way. It's also not too long, so you feel like you're getting the instruction you need and then you can get into practicing what you've learned. I took this out of a library and I'm going to buy myself a copy now.
August 3, 2015
Christian contemplation, aka meditation, using a prayer word if necessary, to get closer to God. Prayer does not need to be words, prayers, lines of thought. Prayer can be silence. Sitting in silence, allowing the silence, ignoring the thoughts that come, now following them but just remaining in silence.
This book is a nice, short book on the subject, with helpful hints, some repetition of the ideas, and a nice short story about a monk at the end to make it all make sense.
This book is a nice, short book on the subject, with helpful hints, some repetition of the ideas, and a nice short story about a monk at the end to make it all make sense.
May 27, 2016
For our Western society that tends to define ourselves by our thoughts and feelings, this book offers a view of personhood and identity that is much needed. The perspectives offered here constantly encouraged and convicted me so much. For example, he encourages the reader to view every temptation as an invitation to prayer. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
May 11, 2025
A remarkable little book.
On a first read, I could begin to sense that this might be massively paradigm-shifting for my life of prayer, but of course I couldn't really know. Reading it a second time after two and a half years of consistent attempts at contemplative practice, it's clear what a game-changer it really was, and also how much I still have to learn.
On a first read, I could begin to sense that this might be massively paradigm-shifting for my life of prayer, but of course I couldn't really know. Reading it a second time after two and a half years of consistent attempts at contemplative practice, it's clear what a game-changer it really was, and also how much I still have to learn.
March 30, 2012
A great book from 'Nova professor Martin Laird. A great way to clear your mind and learn the difficult art of contemplative prayer, which is much different than intercessory prayer. It's a quick read, but packed with great skills.
July 25, 2024
Worth reading again.
November 10, 2019
I don’t remember how this book was recommended to me but I’m certainly glad it came across my path. It’s not the first book I’ve read on contemplation and spiritual growth but it fits well into the successions on books I’ve read on this topic.
Christianity, both Catholic and Protestant, suffers from a “separateness” from God that, for a litany of reasons, it has imposed upon itself. We read about similar incidences in Bible with individuals assuming this same thing; that there is barrier that prevents us from being close to God.
Somewhere along the path, Christianity has erroneously made the mistake of preaching that our “perfection” either is our conduit to knowing God or worse, entitles us with a feeling we have achieved some sort of deserved status with God. So Christianity in essence has joined the rest of the karmic faiths that are well known around the globe.
I remember growing up, I was told that angels sit outside the movie theater because they cannot be present where sin is. How silly on one hand yet how deeply damaging on another.
Laird asks his readers a question; Does Christ identify more with the perfectionist, or the sinner?
It really speaks volumes how one answers that in regards to a persons true understanding with God and further, a persons capability to know God. If our understanding of God is identifying with perfectionism, our entire life will be spent with our ego looking inwards, judging ourselves, needlessly always asking ourselves, have I done enough? What this does is place layer upon layer of self before God. We can’t find God because of the noise we create and place upon ourselves by the constant chatter and revisitation of whether are standing with God is adequate. Other words, our entire being is consumed with ourselves over God.
“My grace is sufficient for you” - Jesus (to Paul)
No long theological expose’ just these words. We want more because we feel it must, MUST, require more. It cannot be this easy. Yet, it is the entire bedrock of what we are asked to believe. It means losing that ego. You must trust, TRUST those simple words.
Jesus does not say much here because to say much is to interfere with....the silence. Silence meaning no chatter, no noise, no inward ego insisting more...”My Grace is sufficient...” that’s what is given, that’s all you need. You cannot instill your own ego here, because you have nothing to do with it, there’s nothing to self-check, you are both within and without the equation here. You contribute nothing.
When we begin to understand Christ identifies with the sinner, chose to identify with the sinner, we can go from a place of inward ego living to a place of outward focused joyous living.
Your forgiveness is/was established on Calvary.
You are already forgiven, that is the entire point of the cross.
It’s not an issue of asking for forgiveness, it’s accepting the forgiveness that Christ has already given.
Because when you understand that even when we fall to sin, Christ is behind us saying “I’ll pick up the check for that” and you understand Christ is doing that everyday of our lives, you can begin to understand God, His purpose and His love.
There is no separateness. God does not leave your side when you sin, He is there, sweeping it up into Himself and taking it to the Cross.
And contemplation of that, leaves me in silence.
Christianity, both Catholic and Protestant, suffers from a “separateness” from God that, for a litany of reasons, it has imposed upon itself. We read about similar incidences in Bible with individuals assuming this same thing; that there is barrier that prevents us from being close to God.
Somewhere along the path, Christianity has erroneously made the mistake of preaching that our “perfection” either is our conduit to knowing God or worse, entitles us with a feeling we have achieved some sort of deserved status with God. So Christianity in essence has joined the rest of the karmic faiths that are well known around the globe.
I remember growing up, I was told that angels sit outside the movie theater because they cannot be present where sin is. How silly on one hand yet how deeply damaging on another.
Laird asks his readers a question; Does Christ identify more with the perfectionist, or the sinner?
It really speaks volumes how one answers that in regards to a persons true understanding with God and further, a persons capability to know God. If our understanding of God is identifying with perfectionism, our entire life will be spent with our ego looking inwards, judging ourselves, needlessly always asking ourselves, have I done enough? What this does is place layer upon layer of self before God. We can’t find God because of the noise we create and place upon ourselves by the constant chatter and revisitation of whether are standing with God is adequate. Other words, our entire being is consumed with ourselves over God.
“My grace is sufficient for you” - Jesus (to Paul)
No long theological expose’ just these words. We want more because we feel it must, MUST, require more. It cannot be this easy. Yet, it is the entire bedrock of what we are asked to believe. It means losing that ego. You must trust, TRUST those simple words.
Jesus does not say much here because to say much is to interfere with....the silence. Silence meaning no chatter, no noise, no inward ego insisting more...”My Grace is sufficient...” that’s what is given, that’s all you need. You cannot instill your own ego here, because you have nothing to do with it, there’s nothing to self-check, you are both within and without the equation here. You contribute nothing.
When we begin to understand Christ identifies with the sinner, chose to identify with the sinner, we can go from a place of inward ego living to a place of outward focused joyous living.
Your forgiveness is/was established on Calvary.
You are already forgiven, that is the entire point of the cross.
It’s not an issue of asking for forgiveness, it’s accepting the forgiveness that Christ has already given.
Because when you understand that even when we fall to sin, Christ is behind us saying “I’ll pick up the check for that” and you understand Christ is doing that everyday of our lives, you can begin to understand God, His purpose and His love.
There is no separateness. God does not leave your side when you sin, He is there, sweeping it up into Himself and taking it to the Cross.
And contemplation of that, leaves me in silence.
May 30, 2025
There's a lot of good stuff in here. It gives a very different perspective on prayer. It approaches the idea of meditation but focuses on making it a most Christ-centered activity while still preserving the importance of silence, focus, and letting go of passing thoughts. Better, a lot of what he states he backs up with either scripture or Christian tradition. It's not too long, and in hindsight I wish I took notes so that I can quickly reference practical things.
One frustrating thing is that he asserts that you should be budgeting out a half hour a day for this practice. I'd be hard pressed to find someone who can go from 0 to 30 minutes, and I wish he spent more time discussing a more palatable approach for busy people. I didn't love his writing style and found myself having to re read pages a lot. Overall solid book and one I'll probably re read at some point.
One frustrating thing is that he asserts that you should be budgeting out a half hour a day for this practice. I'd be hard pressed to find someone who can go from 0 to 30 minutes, and I wish he spent more time discussing a more palatable approach for busy people. I didn't love his writing style and found myself having to re read pages a lot. Overall solid book and one I'll probably re read at some point.
January 16, 2021
Outstanding book on understanding contemplation. Applies many of the techniques that modern apps like Headspace or Balance uses, but helps develop a closer relationship with God while contemplating. I personally don't use the "Jesus" prayer every time, but found it helpful. I love the practice of silence though, and this book helped me understand the depths of silence and of God's love.
Good if you have never tried contemplation, because it's not too technical or technique focused. He uses great analogies to help understand the places you want to go during contemplation to get peace and insight. Also good if you have experience, simply for the poetic comparisons and metaphors he uses.
Good if you have never tried contemplation, because it's not too technical or technique focused. He uses great analogies to help understand the places you want to go during contemplation to get peace and insight. Also good if you have experience, simply for the poetic comparisons and metaphors he uses.
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