The Beginner's Guide to Contemplative Prayer
How to Pray in the Christian Mystical Tradition
Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
Discover Christianity's own unique tradition for experiencing God directly through meditation with The Beginner's Guide to Contemplative Prayer. Author James Finley, who as a young monk lived and prayed with Thomas Merton for six years at the Abbey of Gethsemani, shares the fruit of this authentic approach to prayer and its role at the center of Christian life.
Beginning with a look at its meaning and origins, including the Christian mystics who first explored it, and concluding with step-by-step instructions for getting started with a contemplative practice of your own, here is the perfect introduction to the fundamental meditations and teachings of this cherished tradition.
Highlights:
• Contemplative prayer—what it is and how to practice it
• How contemplative experience relates to Christian faith
• Awakening to the mystery of oneness
• Intuition and prayer
• Step-by-step guided prayers, and much more
Note: Excerpted from the full-length audio course Christian Meditation.
James Finley
James Finley, PhD, is a contemplative teacher, former Trappist monk, psychotherapist, and widely respected author of Merton's Palace of Nowhere, a classic in contemporary Christian mysticism. He studied under Thomas Merton at the Abbey of Gethsemani and later earned his doctorate from Fuller Seminary, where his dissertation explored the intersection of empirical science and mystical experience. For many years he practiced as a psychotherapist specializing in trauma survivors, learning in real time how contemplative awareness and psychological insight can work together in the slow work of restoration and healing.
More by James Finley
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →