Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God: The Practice of Centering Prayer

by J. David Muyskens

It's been said that Centering Prayer is like two friends sitting together in silence, just being in each other's presence--completely natural and comfortable. Yet, Centering Prayer is sometimes viewed as too mysterious, too escapist, too hard. At first, it even appeared that way to the author, but events in his life and his further studies about prayer changed his views.
Through Muyskens' insightful guidance, you'll explore a method of prayer that goes deeper than verbal conversations with God. This book







Each day's reading has a focal scripture verse and the author's reflection, ending with simple suggestions for contemplative prayer. You'll begin with as few as 5 minutes of Centering Prayer. By following the guidance in this book for 40 days, you will be led to a closer relationship with God.
As you progress through the daily scripture and meditative readings in Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God , you'll find greater understanding and fresh awareness of Jesus' promise, "I am with you always."

Genres: Prayer, Spirituality, Faith, Christian, Religion

138 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1932

Reviews

[Vanessa Allbutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been an awesome introduction to Centring Prayer: putting aside any and every thought and focusing simply on God and His presence. I wish I had completed the 40 days quicker, and not let it drag out so much, as I definitely felt the benefits of this type of prayer when I was more consistent with it. Letting days and days go by between readings meant that every return to centering prayer required more effort to stop thinking. I guess it's like anything else: the more you do it, the easier it gets. I will definitely be incorporating centering prayer in my daily time with God. It feels so refreshing to just be naked and transparent and exposed before God, without pretending, without requesting, without even explaining or justifying. Just being with God.

[Marianne Mersereau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect read for the Season of Lent or in preparation for it. Each day's teaching is brief (2 or 3 pages) and includes a scripture for lectio divina and a recommended 20 minute centering prayer practice.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my spiritual life. I never thought I would be able to calm myself and sit in silence. I was one of those people who go, go, go. Every minute of every day was in my day planner. This book taught me the importance of putting 'prayer' into my planner and how to let go of all 'that' and just 'be.' The author gives many different approaches with the hope that one of them will work for you. Highly recommended for anyone struggling with how to just 'be.'

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and guided groups in Centering Prayer and Contemplative Living for many years, I found this to be one of the better guides for bringing those two together. Muyskens places Centering Prayer within the context of a way of life beyond merely technique or self-inflating 'spirituality' or 'religiosity'. He demonstrates Centering Prayer is a means to nurture and open to a way of life relational with the Source of all being.

The book, being a practical guide, yet steers clear of the arid-didactic, the author able to communicate through the selections the subtle liveliness and devotional atmosphere inherent in what he is indicating in these simple, yet profound lessons on pure Prayer and contemplative wisdom.

[Jeffrey Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be a good introduction to centering prayer for someone with no context. I think this is both its strength and weakness. I think as a result of appealing specifically to people who are new to centering prayer, there were times I felt that Muyskens was too rigid in the rules and guidelines he offered.

Overall, an enjoyable read but I would have appreciated more depth and a bit less rigidity.

3.5/5

[Karen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The impact this book made on my spiritual life has been legion. It will be a go to for me.

[Josh Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed Looonnnggg

It was very difficult to stick with this one. Glad I finally finished. Still not picking up what’s being taught here.

[Marylee Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has taught me so much about Centering Prayer that it took me a year of taking my time to soak it in and let the changes happen. I absolutely love this book.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written in a clunky and formal way

[Daniel Pool]

Not a bad book, but this practice is not for me.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, which is a devotional focused on "centering prayer" was being used by a book group at my church. It is not the type of reading I would usually choose and at first I was really resistant to the idea of keeping my mind "centered" by what seemed to me to be "not thinking" It seemed kind of anti intellectual and "touchy feely" for my taste. But I kept with it and while I never achieved exactly what the book seems to be describing some kind of meditative state beyond thought, I did find a lot that was solid and valuable in the readings and also the invitations to contemplation.

[Dave Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the most important thing I gained from this book is that I need...and want...to spend time with God. However, how I spend that time is important. Oftentimes my prayer time is focused on me, what I want, my prayer needs, my list of "please Lord, take this pain away." I spend so much time talking...I never really just listen. Muyskens taught me to use centered prayer. The idea is to spend 20 minutes focused on God, listening. It is something I want to continue to do.

[brooke sellers]

I'm just beginning to scratch the surface of the practice of centering/listening/contemplative prayer. In my search for resources on this subject, I was pleasantly surprised to find this book, which is written by a member of my home church.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for both novices and those with experience in centering prayer practices alike. The meditations are very thoughtfully written and engaging. Recommend wholeheartedly!

[Terri Milstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite book and one I have read several times in the last year and will continue to use in whole or part in the future. The practice of centering prayer has been such a blessing to find.