The book is primarily about the life of prayer for monks but much of it is applicable for others as well. 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. He left us many books and essays on the spiritual life. 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. 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. 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. What is written about prayer in these pages is written primarily for monks. This book, contemplative prayer, was thomas mertons last book. In this classic text, thomas merton offers valuable guidance for prayer. Click here to sign up for email updates or update your address. 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.
John of the cross, the cloud of unknowing, and the medieval mystics, while others have compared merton s reflections to those of thoreau. Chicken soup for the soul books by jack canfield and mark victor hansen 7. Contemplative prayer is thomas merton s guide to its subject. 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. 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. Thomas mertons contemplative politics front porch republic. Thomas merton s classic study of monastic prayer and contemplation brings a tradition of spirituality alive for the present day. When i read merton, im especially struck by the way he confronts and even embraces the difficulties of living the christian life. So much is taken for granted that to the beginner it could be. New seeds of comtemplation is one of thomas merton s most widely read and best loved books. Contemplative prayer by thomas merton the hidden life awakened. Contemplative prayer by thomas merton, 9780385092197, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide.
This is one of the last books written by thomas merton. Thomas merton was the most popular proponent of the christian contemplative tradition in the twentieth century. On may 26, 1949, he was ordained to the priesthood and given the name father louis. Thomas merton ocso january 31, 1915 december 10, 1968 was an american trappist.
Christians and nonchristians alike have joined in praising it as a notable successor in the meditative tradition of st. 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. 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. Some, especially contemplative prayer are meant to be taken in the context of one spiritual master speaking to another. The monks offered centering prayer workshops and retreats to both clergy members and laypeople. Thomas merton 19151968 was a trappist monk, a beloved modern contemplative, and a prolific writer. This approach to prayer is rooted in catholic theology, but it is easily applied to spiritual disciplines outside catholicism. Although clearly written for monks, it is of benefit to the laity and others outside the monatery. 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. 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. I am not catholic and do not have a strong history in philosophy. Contemplative prayer was the last book written by thomas merton before his accidental death in 1968 he was electrocuted while adjusting a fan on an asian trip. Thomas merton, jonathan montaldo, franciscan media.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors picks, and more. In a moving and profound introduction, thich nhat hanh offers his personal recollections of merton and compares the contemplative traditions of east and west. 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. 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. This book, contemplative prayer, was thomas merton s last book. 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. 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. Online shopping from a great selection at books store. We learn that contemplation is more than an exercise in prayer. It is written for monks but it is also good for those interested in contemplative prayer. Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as. He brings together a wealth of meditative and mystical influencesfrom john of the cross to eastern desert monasticismto create a spiritual path for today. Laced with numerous quotations from saints and others who have addressed the topic it is thought provoking and profound.
He brings together a wealth of meditative and mystical influencesfrom john of the cross. Although merton was surprised to hear the monk recommend catholic books, he read them both. 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. 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. Mertons book is written from a christian perspective, but i suspect its insight would be appreciated by other faith traditions as well. Contemplation is essentially a listening in silence, an expectancy. 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 by thomas merton, paperback barnes. New seeds of contemplation by thomas merton, the inner voice of love by henri j. This little gem of a book, newly issued with a foreword from the great vietnamese zen. Thomas merton spiritual direction and meditation, p.
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. Centering prayer and inner awakening by cynthia bourgeault 5. History of centering prayer contemplative outreach ltd. A persons place in society, views on social activism, and various approaches toward contemplative prayer and living became. Contemplative prayer, book by thomas merton paperback. Thomas mertons classic study of monastic prayer and contemplation brings a tradition of spirituality alive for the present day. 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. Contemplative prayer image classic thomas merton, thich nhat hanh on.
Emergence, the rebirth of the sacred by david spangler 10. Thomas merton primarily wrote contemplative prayer for the monastic community, but this book contains words of wisdom for all who want to deepen their. Nouwen goes on to articulate how merton s vision was profoundly shaped by his life of prayer. The only problem with some of his contemplative works is that for many they can be too deep. 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. He brings together a wealth of meditative and mystical influencesfrom john. A prolific writing on spiritual topics, merton was perhaps in an ideal setting to be able to write. Contemplative prayer image classic kindle edition by. Merton is excellent in his contemplative works for the depth to which he penetrates the topic of contemplation. Synopsis in this classic text, thomas merton offers valuable guidance for prayer. However, just as a book about psychoanalysis by an analyst and. See more ideas about thomas merton, contemplative prayer and thomas merton quotes. 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.
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