Journey into Contemplation

by George A. Maloney

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1983

About the author

Father Maloney was a Jesuit priest, and more recently a priest in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

He earned a doctorate in Oriental Theology and founded the John XXIII Institute for Eastern Christian Studies at Fordham University, where he taught Oriental theology and spirituality.

He was fluent in seven languages, including Russian and Greek and travelled extensively throughout Europe, in Russia, Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and Turkey, as well as spending two summers on Mt. Athos (The Holy Mountain).

Fr. Maloney was an internationally known Director of Contemplative Ministries and had established himself as a noted retreat director. A passionate and renowned author, he had published over 80 books, journals and articles, translated into numerous languages, on theology, true prayer, and Eastern Christian Spirituality for Western Christians.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding. This seems to be one of those mostly unknown hidden gems that can greatly enhance one's spiritual life. For me, it not only gave me much advice and motivation to progress in my prayer life, but was also convicting showing me what a long way I still have to go. However, that's part of contemplation, there is no "arrival" but a continual seeking and surrending to God. This book will help you learn how to do that.

I was going to give this 4 stars, but I gave it 5 because as soon as I finished it, I literally said out loud "that was amazing!"

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm surprised George Maloney isn't more widely known. Much of what he says is echoed and expanded upon by Richard Rohr who I know has read Maloney. A good inspiring overview of contemplative prayer. Probably works better companioned with a book specifically about centering prayer as he doesn't give much actual instruction which some of us need to know how to quiet our busy brains to be in God's presence.