Everything you ever wanted to know about beginning contemplative prayer and were too afraid to ask. A practical guide that explains methods of contemplative prayer and how to begin.
About this Book
Many of us have a desire to pray more deeply, but feel that the profound prayer of contemplation is beyond our possibilities and capabilities. Sr. Kathryn Hermes wants you to believe your heart when it asks for this deeper, more profound experience of prayer.
In this practical guide, best-selling author Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP, demonstrates how to begin a life of contemplative prayer. You don't have to be a mystic to learn this type of prayer, just a person who is seeking a deeper communion with God. Sr. Kathryn has helped thousands of people through difficult times. Now let her guide you in this timeless form of meditative prayer.
Beginning Contemplative Prayer is a practical guide to contemplation. It invites the reader to "try on" various prayer practices, exploring the methods of Brother Lawrence, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Ignatius of Loyola, Julian of Norwich, and others.
Prayer exercises are offered throughout, and individual and group prayer guides are also included.
Features & Benefits:
- Perfect for personal prayer as well as for parish prayer groups and adult formation.
- A wonderful gift for those in religious formation.
- Includes a 5 week guide for personal growth in contemplative prayer as well as a program for group use.
About the author:
Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP, is a member of the congregation of the Daughters of St. Paul. She works in the Digital Publishing Office and the Acquisitions Office for Pauline Books & Media. She is the author of many books, including Surviving Depression, Prayers for Surviving Depression, The Journey Within, and Holding on to Hope. She has an M.T.S. from Weston Jesuit School of Ttheology.
What Are People Saying about this Title?
"[Hermes'] tone throughout is warm and encouraging; her content is solidly rooted in the Catholic spiritual tradition. Readers will discover that beginning contemplative prayer is indeed possible. I warmly recommend this book."
-Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V., author of Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Prayer with Scripture
"...a very helpful introduction to prayer - practical, down-to-earth and enlightening. ... takes the reader on a tour of some of the great teachers of prayer in the Christian tradition and helps to make their teachings concrete and applicable to daily life in our world. She provides exercises in every chapter and a study guide that will help readers to help one another. I recommend the book highly."
-William A. Barry, S.J., author of Finding God in All Things
"...offers suggestions about how to deal with distractions, confusion, fear, and other emotions that may surface. She also encourages the reader to learn from the experiences of the mystics how to live fully and consciously the present moment, for it is in the NOW that God is found. To all who are perhaps intimidated by this venture, she offers the reassurance that God is a gentle and loving God who desires only our good, and who calls us into deeper and deeper intimacy."
- Helene Cote, p.m., Spiritual and Retreat Director, Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford, Maine
Product Details:
Binding: Paperback
Category: Spirituality/Prayer
Trim size: 5 1/4" x 8"
Pages: 192
Keywords:contemplation - how to pray - mystic - meditation, centering prayer - lectio divina - practicing the presence of God - Teresa of Avila - John of the Cross - contemplative prayer - prayer - meditation - Ignatian - lectio divina - Sr. Kathryn Hermes - Theresa - Brother Lawrence - Benedictine - how to pray - centering prayer - quiet - stillness - Catholic - mental prayer - transformation - dark night - chaos