I was recently viewing the Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis's website about the upcoming summer retreat in August. I very much plan to attend and noticed the topic of the retreat was 2 books by Martin Laird. One of which I purchased and read this past week, the title this post shares. I really enjoyed the book. I thought that is was very balanced. On the one hand it dealt with the vague and often indescribable nature of contemplative prayer. I suppose it is obligatory to include these difficult to explain and difficult to understand bits. Yet, there were plenty of juicy practical bits as well for those of us struggling with this practice.
As a monk of the Order of St. Augustine, he teaches at Villanova University. His area of expertise is the Early Church Fathers. He uses the techniques of many of these early practicing contemplatives as the basis to promote further development in contemplative prayer. He likens the techniques to the idea of sailing. A sailor does not make a ship go, but his skill is in capturing the wind when it blows. Several of the techniques he proposes have been personally helpful to me. One is the recitation of the Jesus Prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Have mercy on me". When coupled with the breath during a time of Centering/Contemplative prayer, it can help quiet the mind, especially when there is a lot going on in life. I have found it very helpful in my practice and have even had some breakthroughs.
I have also begun the practice of reciting the Jesus Prayer whenever I am not having to do concentrative work. Martin Laird touches on this practice in the book. The idea is to take the I Thessolonians passage of "Pray continually" quite literally. I do it under my breath when in public, but out load when driving in my car or when I have time to myself. This practice is outlined in a little book called "The Way of a Pilgrim". The idea is to make this a prayer of the heart with continual practice.
Finally, he provides some case studies of the lives of people impacted positively from the practice of contemplative prayer. The stories were compelling and helpful as a reminder that this path, though not easy, has rewards for those who patiently wait. I would definitely recommend this book and plan on getting the companion book, "Sunlit Absence". I really look forward to the retreat in St. Louis in August when these books will be discussed.
Peace of Christ,
Adam
