Product Description

This book has been revised and expanded with a fresh cover, study guide, re-edited text, new material, and a gift-market layout.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20712 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780824519957
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Publisher
Richard Rohr's book, one of the fastest-selling books in Catholic spirituality today, offers a personal retreat for those who hunger for a deeper prayer life but don't know what contemplation is. Now with reflection guide.

About the Author
Richard Rohr is an internationally known retreat master, speaker, and writer. He was founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
"You cannot earn God. You cannot prove yourself worthy to God. It is simply a matter of awareness. Of enjoying the awareness. Coming to the awareness. There are moments when we believe it. Then it all makes sense. Once I can see it here and trust it, in this piece of clay, at this moment in time that I am - then the compliment is also passed on to you. I am able to see the divine image both in myself and in you and finally in all things. Finally the seeing is one. How you see anything is how you will see everything." - From the book.

Customer Reviews

It is strictly for those who want to once again "begin over"
As a Catholic Priest, I have always found Father Richard to be on sound bases; neither going right too far or left too far. I believe he is where the Spirit wants him in this book.

He teaches us through this book that we can always begin each day a new; looking and seeing differently; listening with the listening ear; and seeing with the seeing eye.

I highly recommend this book to all - high school seniors, college students, parents, above all, to priest who have be lack in their own adult education.

It is a book to have on your shelf when doubts about yourself,your faith and church come into conflict. It is a book that is an excellent tool to increase one's spiritual growth in union with God.

Father Joseph

Not just for Christians
According to the publisher, Rohr wrote this book to "help us pray better and see life differently." I emphasize the second part, seeing life differently. As a personal coach I know that people don't change by ignoring or trying to overcome their limiting beliefs and perspectives. The most fundamental and significant changes occur when we witness ourselves as we are and without judgment. Rohr brilliantly balances Christian and Buddhist philosophy and practice to illustrate that contemplative prayer is not about being Christian -- it is about becoming whole. "The small calculating mind," he writes, "wants either/or, win/lose, good or bad... We do not think outselves into new ways of living. We live ourselves into new ways of thinking." When we let go of the stories that have defined us and become living witnesses to ourselves as we show up every day, we return to the sacred, to our most essential and least programmed essence. This happens through contemplative prayer, through meditation, and through everyday mindfulness. This is true of any spiritual journey, and not just for Christians.

Refreshing, Challenging, Awe-Inspiring!
Having just finished this book, the first I've read by Richard Rohr, I have to say that I'm awe-struck. It will take some time for me to reflect on and process what I've read. Note that this isn't a guide on the "how-to's" of comtemplation but, rather, how to live contemplatively. It may challenge you (including your ideas of social justice) and, in the process, help you grow spriritually. If you are open-minded to new perspectives and have an inclusive world view, you may well enjoy it. I highly recommend it, and will definitely read it a second time.