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Summary: Excellent Guide for Contemplative Prayer
Review: The concepts of "centering prayer" and "contemplative prayer" are difficult for many of us who are used to activity and busy-ness in our daily lives. Thomas Keating, a Cistercian, outlines the traditions and gives a practical (if that is possible) guide to the benefits and the methods of integrating this into our daily lives.Following a brief discussion of the history of this type of prayer, the author lucidly explains the nature of contemplative prayer and concludes with an understanding of the contemplative nature of the Gospels. Allowing oneself to free the mind of distractions and "rest in God's presence" is a difficult and ongoing process, however Keating offers words of encouragement and understanding so that we realize that this type of prayer, like all types of prayer is not an end in itself, but is a journey. As one attempts to develop a deeper more significant relationship with God, this book is an invaluable resource. It is worth reading and referring to repeatedly as a guide in prayer, but also in reading Scripture.
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Summary: BEWARE !!
Review: The other 1-star reviews are very accurate. For people who are attracted to this "Centering Prayer" please read books about "Lectio Divina". "Lectio Divina" is a true Catholic Christian tradition. The Bible warns about falling into traps such as "Centering Prayer". The objective of Centering Prayer is a closeness to God. How can we get close to God without "works". We must love God with our whole mind, might, body, ACTIONS, intentions. We obtain salvation through Christ. It is the Christian objective to become like Christ - in the way we live. We must do the corporal and spiritual acts of Mercy. "As you treat the least among you is how you treat me (Jesus)". Feed the poor, visit the sick, counsel the afflicted, admonish sinners, clothe the naked, ect.
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Summary: OPEN MIND, OPEN HEART is well titled, as it does both!
Review: This book is a keeper, and forget your Mama's caution that "you must not write in books!" You'll want to highlight many passages, to be read again and again and perhaps even (God willing!) read one day by your children. This book will change your life, bringing peace, joy, faith, trust, love and a lifting of your spirits that will stay with you forever. A perfect gift...so get several copies! I intend to give it to each of my ten adult children for Christmas. Teresa Bloomingdale
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Summary: A True CATHOLIC from......
Review: This book is a splendid example of prayer as dialogue between Creator and created. Centering Prayer is about dialogue with God and trusting and resting in His love and presence. For those fundamentalists who see prayer as nothing other than mindless parrotting of scripture, this book will be of no benefit whatsovever. However, to people who believe in a loving God and the loving and saving power of Jesus Christ, this book offers a splendid description and discussion of one of the oldest methods of Christian and Catholic prayer. Those who castigate the author because he does not mindlessly quote scripture thoughout the entire text would do well to actually read the Bible.
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Summary: Most Influentual Book Of My Life!!!
Review: This book is awesome for those who can relate to his style. This book took my prayer life from meaningless dialogue to another level of relaxing my mind and learning to see the creator within me.
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Summary: An essential guide to contemplation
Review: This book is my first recommendation for anyone interested in exploring or beginning the practice of Christian contemplation. While other writers shy away from offering the "how-to's" of contemplation, Keating provides a thoughtful guide for making "centering prayer" an essential element of one's spiritual journey. After growing frustrated with the obtuseness of some other contemplative/mystic writers and works (e.g., Merton, "The Cloud of Unknowing"), this book was exactly what I needed to find -- a primer on contemplation. I only wish I had found it sooner.
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Summary: The quintessential guide to effective centering prayer.
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read by any Roman Catholic clergyman. It's engrossing and extremely hard to put down. I love it! It has made a positive impact on my life, learning how to properly engage in contemplative prayer i.e. centering prayer. Before I read this book, I felt there was something missing in my spiritual life. But thanks to Thomas Keating's brilliant ability to write clearly and concisely on a step by step basis, my spiritual life is virtually complete. No other book has influenced me in a way to actively engage in centering prayer on a daily basis as Thomas Keating's book.
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Summary: What think ye of Jesus Christ?
Review: This review is for those who seek that "light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (II Cor. 4:6) and wonder whether the practices of today's neo-contemplatives like Fr. Keating will help them see that light. Keating's centering prayer is founded on his efforts to "restate the Christian spiritual journey in contemporary terms." These include: All people have a "basic core of goodness [which] is our true Self" and "God and our true Self are the same thing." In opposition to the true self is the false self which is a psychological construct created as a defense mechanism for "all the harm that other people have done to us." By forsaking the false self and manifesting the true self, one can be "transformed into Christ and deified." Contemplative prayer "brings the transformation to completion." Centering prayer is Keating's specific method of disposing oneself to contemplative prayer. The method is designed to "turn off" ones thoughts and emotions so as to open up to a new reality. Very generally, the method entails a comfortable sitting position, closed eyes, a "sacred word" to occupy the mind, and 20-minutes of such quietude twice a day. I agree with the proponents of this book who have described the method as non-dogmatic. Anyone of any religion (or no religion) could practice the method and attain the experience Keating describes as "resting in God." Keating envisions widespread centering prayer in the Christian church so that "dialogue with the other world religions would have a firm basis in spiritual experience." The shared spiritual experience that Keating sees as forming the common ground with other religions was encountered by St. John of Ruysbroeck over 700 years ago. He wrote of those who "turned in upon the bareness of their own being" and "the onefold simplicity which they there possess they take to be God, because they find a natural rest therein." He said this rest "exists in all men by nature, whenever they make themselves empty." But Ruysbroeck, a Christian true to the name, went on to describe another, heavenly rest in Christ: "For through his own power no man has ascended into heaven, save the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. And therefore we must unite ourselves with Him, through grace and virtue and Christian faith: so we shall ascend with Him whither He has gone before us." Today's contemplatives claim their spiritual pedigrees from the likes of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. For those on the Christian spiritual journey who believe that Jesus is the way, these saints of old are surer and safer guides. They steadfastly believed that no one comes to the Father but through the Son, and they were not ashamed to say so. Of their writings I most highly recommend the translation of Teresa's Interior Castle by Kieran Kavanaugh published by the Institute of Carmelite Studies.
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Summary: Excellent!!!
Review: Thomas Keating's careful and articulate manner of walking people through the process of Centering Prayer in this book is worthwhile reading. Further, it can change one's life if open to the possibilities of inner transformation and change. Keating gives the reader a tremendous amount of hope that this life may indeed be lived in the fullness of deep Peace and divine Love through the daily intention of the practice of Centering prayer. It is a book that can transcend cultural and religious boundaries into the realm of deep faith if the reader enters into the heart of the book with an open heart and open mind.
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Summary: Compassionate and accessable look at centering prayer.
Review: Thomas Keeting's work is a compassionate accessable look at the discipline of centering prayer. In a gentle, non-judgemental, non-dogmatic manner, he skillfully guides the reader into the experience of what centering prayer is, and (just as important), what it is not. He antcipates the many questions and frustrations the beginner is likely to have when starting this practice, and he answers these with wisdom and grace. After reading this book I felt a strong sense of encouragement and delight at my committment to make centering prayer a priority in my life.
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