Thomas merton primarily wrote contemplative prayer for the monastic community, but this book contains words of wisdom for all who want to deepen their prayer life. The monks offered centering prayer workshops and retreats to both clergy members and laypeople. Thomas mertons contemplative politics front porch republic. Although clearly written for monks, it is of benefit to the laity and others outside the monatery. Thomas merton s classic study of monastic prayer and contemplation brings a tradition of spirituality alive for the present day. Nouwen goes on to articulate how merton s vision was profoundly shaped by his life of prayer. Contemplation is essentially a listening in silence, an expectancy. As henri nouwen claims, the great power of merton as a writer still remains in his ability to comment on the concrete happenings of the day, and to do this out of a contemplative silence.
Contemplative prayer by thomas merton, paperback barnes. He wrote extensively on this subject, in books such as seeds of contemplation, what is contemplation, tears of the blind lion, the inner experience, zen and the birds of appetite, and others. This book, contemplative prayer, was thomas mertons last book. This is one of the last books written by thomas merton. Contemplative prayer book by thomas merton thriftbooks. He brings together a wealth of meditative and mystical influencesfrom john of the cross. Contemplative prayer image classic thomas merton, thich nhat hanh on. Buy a cheap copy of contemplative prayer book by thomas merton. Some, especially contemplative prayer are meant to be taken in the context of one spiritual master speaking to another. Trappists devote themselves to prayer, adding the disciplines of silence and solitude, things that are needed. Thomas merton 19151968, trappist monk, author, and peace activist, came to international prominence at a young age with his classic autobiography, the seven story mountain. A prolific writing on spiritual topics, merton was perhaps in an ideal setting to be able to write about the ideas and methods of contemplative prayer, being a trappist. The book is primarily about the life of prayer for monks but much of it is applicable for others as well.
Now, for the first time, some of his most lyrical and prayerful writings have been arranged into a book of hours, a rich resource for daily prayer and contemplation that imitates the increasingly popular ancient monastic practice of praying the hours. In a moving and profound introduction, thich nhat hanh offers his personal recollections of merton and compares the contemplative traditions of east and west. I am not catholic and do not have a strong history in philosophy. Christians and nonchristians alike have joined in praising it as a notable successor in the meditative tradition of st. This approach to prayer is rooted in catholic theology, but it is easily applied to spiritual disciplines outside catholicism. Online shopping from a great selection at books store. Thomas merton, jonathan montaldo, franciscan media. Contemplative prayer image classic 9780385092197 by thomas merton and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. Contemplative prayer thomas merton 19151968 was an american trappist, scholar of comparative religion, priest, poet, mystic and author of more than seventy books, including the seven story mountain, that aroused an enormous new interest in contemplative prayer. What is written about prayer in these pages is written primarily for monks. On may 26, 1949, he was ordained to the priesthood and given the name father louis. Contemplative prayer image classic kindle edition by. When i read merton, im especially struck by the way he confronts and even embraces the difficulties of living the christian life. This book explores the history of monastic prayer and contemplation and provides a comprehensive background for anyone who wishes to gain an insight into what prayer and meditation means.
Thomas mertons classic study of monastic prayer and contemplation brings a tradition of spirituality alive for the present day. Contemplative prayer is one of the most wellknown works of spirituality of the last one hundred years, and it is a mustread for all seeking to live a life of purpose in todays world. Allchin points out in his introduction to this new edition, contemplative prayer also shows us the present day in a new perspective, because we see it in the light of a long and living tradition. Thomas merton primarily wrote contemplative prayer for the monastic community, but this book contains words of wisdom for all who want to deepen their. Betty had no idea what a contemplative was, but she took the book contemplative prayer by thomas merton up the mountain with her for one full summer. Thomas merton ocso january 31, 1915 december 10, 1968 was an american trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and scholar of comparative religion. See more ideas about thomas merton, contemplative prayer and thomas merton quotes. Merton is excellent in his contemplative works for the depth to which he penetrates the topic of contemplation. So much is taken for granted that to the beginner it could be.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors picks, and more. Laced with numerous quotations from saints and others who have addressed the topic it is thought provoking and profound. This book, contemplative prayer, was thomas merton s last book. Thomas merton 19151968 was a trappist monk, a beloved modern contemplative, and a prolific writer. Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as. Hence monastic prayer, especially meditation and contemplative prayer, is not so much a way to find god as a way of resting in him whom we have found, who loves us, who is near to us, who comes to us to draw us to himself. Emergence, the rebirth of the sacred by david spangler 10. However, just as a book about psychoanalysis by an analyst and. A persons place in society, views on social activism, and various approaches toward contemplative prayer and living became. Contemplative prayer by thomas merton the hidden life awakened. He left us many books and essays on the spiritual life. Publishers summary this is merton at his best, applying ancient wisdom to the longings of our age through thoughtful commentary on scripture and writers of the western spiritual tradition.
Thomas merton approaches the topic of contemplative prayer from a devotional and practical point of view, steering the believer in the direction of understanding the greatness of. His focus is structured in a way which follows after the view of augustine, looking at gods ability to know us better than we know ourselves. Contemplative prayer by thomas merton, 9780385092197, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Mertons book is written from a christian perspective, but i suspect its insight would be appreciated by other faith traditions as well. This book on contemplative prayer is not a how to book on how to pray in a contemplative way for that you will need to seek elsewhere among the bookshelves. Thomas merton ocso january 31, 1915 december 10, 1968 was an american trappist. He brings together a wealth of meditative and mystical influencesfrom john. Synopsis in this classic text, thomas merton offers valuable guidance for prayer. We learn that contemplation is more than an exercise in prayer. Thomas merton spiritual direction and meditation, p.
He brings together a wealth of meditative and mystical influencesfrom john of the cross to eastern desert monasticismto create a spiritual path for today. Thomas merton was the most popular proponent of the christian contemplative tradition in the twentieth century. Although merton was surprised to hear the monk recommend catholic books, he read them both. John of the cross, the cloud of unknowing, and the medieval mystics, while others have compared merton s reflections to those of thoreau. Contemplative prayer by thomas merton the hidden life. In this classic text, thomas merton offers valuable guidance for prayer. This book distills mertons own reading and long experience with contemplation. Perhaps thomas mertons greatest gift to us, through his writings, is his insight on contemplative living in a world filled with chaos and distraction. New seeds of contemplation by thomas merton, the inner voice of love by henri j. A prolific writing on spiritual topics, merton was perhaps in an ideal setting to be able to write. Thomas merton approaches the topic of contemplative prayer from a devotional and practical point of view, steering the believer in the direction of understanding the greatness of god and the needfulness of humans. This book was intended for those leading a monastic life, but thomas mertons work is accessible to nonmonastics who are seriously interested in contemplative prayer. The prayer came to be known as centering prayer in reference to thomas merton s description of contemplative prayer as prayer that is centered entirely on the presence of god.
History of centering prayer contemplative outreach ltd. Chicken soup for the soul books by jack canfield and mark victor hansen 7. Centering prayer and inner awakening by cynthia bourgeault 5. Contemplative prayer, book by thomas merton paperback. New seeds of comtemplation is one of thomas merton s most widely read and best loved books. The only problem with some of his contemplative works is that for many they can be too deep.