Your Word is Fire: The Hasidic Masters on Contemplative Prayer

by Barry W. Holtz (Translator), Arthur Green (Translator)

A fully updated and revised edition of a classic text on Jewish prayer. The power of prayer for spiritual renewal and personal transformation is at the core of all religious traditions. Because Hasidic literature contains no systematic manual of contemplative prayer, the texts included in this volume have been culled from many sources. From the teachings of the Hasidic Masters―the Ba'al Shem Tov, the Maggid Dov Baer of Meidzyrzec, and their immediate disciples―the editors have gleaned "hints as to the various rungs of inner prayer and how they are attained." Hasidism, the Jewish revivalist movement that began in the late eighteenth century, saw prayer as being at the heart of religious experience and was particularly concerned with the nature of a person’s relationship with God. The obstacles to prayer discussed by the Hasidic masters―distraction, loss of spirituality, and inconstancy of purpose―feel very close to concerns of our own age. Through advice, parables, and explanations, the Hasidic masters of the past speak to our own attempts to find meaning in prayer.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2012

Reviews

[Anita Mullins Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich in spirituality. This is a collection of parables and thoughts regarding our relationship with God. It is such a great read, I couldn't put it down and even when skimming and re-reading, I gleaned all the more with every read. I have passed it on to a lady in my church. If you are interested in pursuing quality time in prayer, this is a wonderful book. Holtz is a true classic author.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic collection of brief teachings for intention setting and sparking contemplation, laid out in a way that encourages focus. A collection I will return to and share from again and again.