Wisdom from the Christian Mystics: How to Pray the Christian Way PDF Download

Author: David Torkington
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
ISBN: 1785357751
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 351

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Book Description
When Quietism was condemned in 1687 it resulted in an antipathy, if not an open hostility to authentic mystical theology. This situation has lasted down to the present day and has been aggravated by many forms of counterfeit mysticism that are self-centred, not God-centred. The consequences have been disastrous. To restore the balance lost to Christian spirituality, the author returns to the profound mystical teaching that Jesus himself lived and handed on to the early Church through his disciples. His research has resulted in a book that details a practical daily spirituality for all, that mirrors that which was lived by our earliest Christian forebears. It emphasises the original balance between personal and communal prayer in such a way that our whole lives become the place where we continually offer our lives through Christ to the Father.

Author: David Torkington
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
ISBN: 178535017X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description
When he loses his son and his wife in childbirth James is totally bereft. An introduction to a hermit gradually changes his life irrevocably. Although the Hermit turns out to be a Roman Catholic, James finds he can completely identify with his profound spirituality, precisely because it is so scriptural and drawn from the same Christian Masters who had originally inspired him.

Author: Carl McColman
Publisher: Broadleaf Books
ISBN: 1506485804
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 194

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Book Description
The mystical path is not some sort of static experience for the select few, says Carl McColman, rather, it is a living tradition, a rich and many-layered dimension of spirituality that is in large measure a quest to find the mysteries at the heart of the universe, paradoxically nestled within the heart of your own soul. McColman first introduced readers to Christianity's lost mystical roots in his popular book, The Big Book of Christian Mysticism. Now McColman is back with Answering the Contemplative Call, to show readers how to apply the riches of the mystical tradition to daily living. McColman quotes from the great mystics of the Christian tradition who have also traveled this path, including Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill and more. In Answering the Contemplative Call, McColman offers a practice that will help readers come to a place meaning and purpose in their lives.

Author: David Torkington
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
ISBN: 1846944422
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 245

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Book Description
David Torkington tells the story of a small group of secular Franciscans on pilgrimage in Franciscan Italy led by the hermit Peter Calvay. The book shows how the essence of Christian spirituality is restored by Francis and details the implications of the revelation of the Primacy of Love received by Francis moments before he received the Stigmata. It then explains how this is the starting point for St Bonaventure's spirituality and John Duns Scotus? Mystical Theology of love. This profound theology is detailed with consummate clarity and made practical in the lives of two of the pilgrims who commit themselves to each other for life.

Author: Matthew Leonard
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780997774573
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
The workbook that accompanies the video series of the same name, which is available at www.ScienceOfSainthood.com. Hosted by Matthew Leonard, this study guides participants deeper into vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer as taught by the Doctor of Prayer, St. Teresa of Avila.For information on more courses and to learn more about this one, go to ScienceOfSainthood.com.

Author: David Torkington
Publisher: Saint Pauls/Alba House
ISBN: 9780818909214
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
From the time Jesus first taught his disciples how to pray to the present day, the Church has pointed out a variety of ways in which a person can fruitfully communicate with God and grow in the spiritual life. Lectio divina, meditation, contemplation, the recitation of the rosary and prayer in action are all covered in these forty brief reflections which encourage us to pray as you can, not as you can't. Taking a quote from the Gospels or a thought from a saintly expert in the art of prayer as a springboard for the suggestions made in these pages the author draws on his own experience as a spiritual director and retreat master to show how the advice given can be put into practice in one's daily life. He concludes with a series of brief prayers with which one can begin and end each day in the presence of God in whose Spirit we are called to pray.

Author: David Torkington
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN: 1681927454
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 104

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Book Description
“There is only one way to perfection and that is to pray; if anyone points in another direction then they are deceiving you.” ~ Saint Teresa of Ávila If we want to become the people God made us to be, we need to set aside time every day for prayer. It sounds simple enough, but we often allow distractions, temptations, and our busy lives to keep us from daily prayer. And what is prayer? Prayer is our “no” to self and “yes” to God. Prayer is the place where we freely choose to receive God’s love. As we daily try to raise our minds and hearts to God, giving our time to be present with him, God gives us the love that alone can transform us into his image and likeness. In How to Pray: A Practical Guide to the Spiritual Life, spiritual theologian David Torkington offers everyday guidance for entering more deeply into prayer, whether you are a beginner or looking to go deeper in your prayer life. The forty short, easy-to-read chapters in this guide can be read as a devotional, for meditation, or alongside Sacred Scripture. Through prayer, our soul becomes like a lightning rod allowing the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts. The more regularly and the more persistently we pray, the more we are changed.

Author: Kathryn Jean Lopez
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781505109047
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 404

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Book Description
There's so much noise. Everything can seem like a distraction. Distraction, in fact, seems our oxygen. When was the last time you saw people talking on an elevator? We seem to plug in everywhere. We have earphones and screens and don't evenlook up, never mind find time for silence. Our hearts need quiet. How are we ever going to pray otherwise? How could we ever possibly know God's love and will, and the truth about ourselves and the world without resting in Him? Resting in Him. What does that even mean? In A Year with the Mystics, popular National Review journalist and commentator Kathryn Jean Lopez, who writes and speaks frequently about faith and public life, and prayer and the Church, offers readers a tour of the magnificent variety of mystical writing in the heart of the Church. Featuring reflections from both household and contemporary names like Saint John Paul II, Mother Teresa and Edith Stein, as well as titanic historic figures such as St. Catherine of Siena and John of the Cross. The words of these holy men and women of prayer are presented in accessible doses ideal for daily prayer amidst the seemingly all-consuming busy-ness of life. Each page is an invitation to enter more deeply into the life of faith. What does the road to union with God look like? What is a dark night? What is true love of the Trinity? What is this Church as bridegroom business? Mysticism is not some foreign and remote life of prayer for poets and saints in heaven; rather, it is the call for every Christian to draw more deeply and profoundly from the heart of Christ in prayer. A Year with the Mystics is a tour, a retreat, and a love story in which God seeks you out. With the small commitment of a few minutes a day to prayer with mystic saints and other holy ones, you will be making time for communication and peace in the heart of the Trinity. Your faith will grow and you will see that the life of a contemplative in the world can be yours; it can become for you the air you breathe and a wellspring of renewal in your life as a Catholic, rooted in the sacraments. This beautiful Premium UltraSoft gift edition features two-tone sewn binding, ribbon marker, gold edges, and designed interior pages.

Author: Carl McColman
Publisher: Broadleaf Books
ISBN: 1506485782
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
With over 300 quotations, this book invites the reader to delve into the writings of the great contemplatives and mystics of the past two thousand years. The Little Book of Christian Mysticism provides a user-friendly, insightful, and potentially life-changing introduction to the essential teachings of the greatest mystics in the western wisdom traditions, past and present, including Francis of Assisi, Hildegard of Bingen, Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill, Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Julian of Norwich. Readers can use this book to initiate themselves into this visionary and ecstatic spiritual lineage, and they can also use it as a book of daily meditations. Small enough to fit in one's pocket or handbag, this is truly a user-friendly introduction to this venerable body of wisdom.

Author: Ms. Teresa A. Blythe
Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 1426728247
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 281

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Book Description
For individual or group use “It is my hope that this book will provide at least fifty ways you may take steps in a lifelong walk with God. It is written for you, the seeker and sojourner, as well as you, the church leader, youth minister, retreat facilitator, or worship planner. It is for all of us who thought we only knew one way to pray.” --from the introduction The explosion of interest today in Christian mystics, ancient prayer practices, and guided meditations speaks to a need for more hands-on tools that will help us pray in traditional as well as new and exciting ways. This book is intended to address that need. Each of the exercises includes not only instructions on how to use it as a prayer practice, but also some background, an introduction, a statement of intention, and tips to help you become comfortable with the practice. For those of you wanting to lead these practices in a group, there are special instructions and information in the Leader’s Guide at the end of the book. “Rich with wisdom drawn from the wellsprings of Western spirituality, this remarkable book is a sustained experience of spiritual direction offered by a seasoned spiritual guide.” -John S. Mogabgab, editor of Weavings journal "This book does more than point to ways of prayer; it serves as encouragement, guide, and partner for those who want to connect in prayer in ways that move beyond words." -Doug Pagitt, author of BodyPrayer and pastor of Solomon's Porch “This is a basic, balanced, and accessible guide to the variety, promise, and practice of prayer. Read it to deepen your understanding of prayer; use it to deepen your life in God.” -Frederick W. Schmidt, author of What God Wants for Your LifeClick here to read a sampleTable of ContentsTeresa A. Blythe is a writer, spiritual director, and frequent conference speaker on topics of popular culture and spirituality. She has co-authored Meeting God in Virtual Reality and Watching What We Watch, along with numerous essays and reviews for Beliefnet, Spirituality & Health, and Publishers Weekly. Teresa serves as Program Coordinator for the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, AZ.