Prayer of the Heart, an early Christian form of contemplative prayer, has once again become commonplace in the Christian community thanks to the efforts of Trappist monks. Father Basil Pennington, one of the pioneer leaders in this movement, here tells the story of this recovery of contemplative prayer as it was experienced, first in the United States and then in different parts of the world.
A new edition of the classic that helped launch the Centering Prayer movement. Centering Prayer is a precious part of the ancient spiritual traditions of the West. When Finding Grace at the Center was first published in 1978, people all over the world welcomed this practical guide to a simple and beautiful form of meditative prayer. Reflections and advice on Centering Prayer's possibilities--and its pitfalls--are presented with clarity and simplicity, with a vision of the deeper life of the soul that contemplative prayer can bring about. Now, with a new foreword by Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, PhD, another generation will discover the amazing difference Centering Prayer can make in their lives.
Discover how to listen for God’s “voice” as you read the Holy Scriptures. This new series of books is designed to open up the meaning of one ancient way of Christian prayer in a relatively short amount of time. In Praying the Holy Scriptures, the late Father Pennington: * Briefly introduces “Three Steps to Daily Lectio” * Offers profound reflections of “Waiting on the Lord” and how to “Use Our Imaginations” in prayer * Presents ten examples of doing these things based on his own prayerful meditations. The wisdom and advice in Praying the Holy Scriptures will guide you into a lifetime of changing how you read the Bible and how you pray.
For some years, Father Pennington has been writing a short column of spiritual reflections for a number of newspapers as far-flung as the Hong Kong Sunday Examiner and the Worcester Catholic Free Press. Centring on three themesùfinding God in the course of oneÆs daily activities, striking stories that illustrate a spiritual truth, and thoughts that flow from listening to GodÆs wordùthe sixty reflections in this book, each able to be read in a matter of minutes, will provide nourishment to see us through a busy day.
Pennington provides readers with a glimpse of what it would be like to spend a retreat with his friend, Thomas Merton, in his hermitage, reading his writings on the spiritual life, praying the hours, and caring for the birds on the front porch.
In the tradition of Christian mysticism, including Bernard of Clarivaux, Gregory the Great, and Ambrose of Milan, the well-known Cistercian abbot shares his reflections on the Bible's most challenging mystical text.
Here is a brief, well-written primer on prayer based on conferences given to the community and other groups by the foundress and former prioress of St. Scholastica Priory, Petersham, MA. Writing with warmth and clarity, Sr. Mary Clare draws on sources from the Bible through the Church Fathers, to Basil Hume. She starts at the beginning with why one should pray and ends up with contemplative prayer (Centering Prayer). tradition. And she offers concise answers to the most frequently asked questions: when should I pray? How can I pray better? How do I k now I am advancing in prayer? What do I do about distractions? Father Basil Pennington, OCSO, states in the Foreword: ¿Mother Mary Clare writes with the sure hand of a well-experienced spiritual mother. Simple, straight clear teaching on prayer is what is sought today as it was in the early days of the Church. And it is found here¿.There is a simplicity and sharpness in Mother¿s teaching. There is also depth and beauty; an insight that will resonate with what is deepest in us as human beings and Christians.
In his final book--a lasting testament to his love for the Holy Land and the Jewish and Palestinian people--the beloved Cistercian monk, who passed away in 2005, meditates on his travels to Nazareth, Mt. Sinai, and other sites in the Holy Land. Six photos. Map. (Catholic)
Let Your Deepest Soul Rejoice! In the tradition of Christian mysticism, including Bernard of Clairvaux, Gregory the Great, and Ambrose of Milan, M. Basil Pennington shares his reflections on the Bible's most challenging mystical text, the ancient love poem that is the Song of Songs. In this extraordinary volume, Pennington is joined by the profound Jewish artist Phillip Ratner, whose inspired works call forth from Pennington not only transcendent prayer and rich analogy but also the deepest sentiments that are common to every human mind and heart. Pennington reflects on the ways you can use the Song of Songs to fulfill your own unutterable aspirations. Enriched by Jewish and Christian faith, the drawings and meditations speak to you and every person who desires to connect with their deepest, most human longings. Allow yourself to let go and delve into the poetry of Song of Songs, to find joy in the boundless love of God for you, the beloved child. Allow yourself to experience this story of love—human love yearning for the Divine.
Discover the rich spirituality of monastic life on Mount Athos a place like no other on earth. Twenty-five years ago, M. Basil Pennington, OCSO, was the first Western monk to live on Mount Athos for more than the usually permitted overnight visit. The Monks of Mount Athos chronicles his extraordinary stay, his experiences of the East, and lively conversations with his hosts about theological differences and unfamiliar spiritual practices. Listen in as Abbot Basil wrestles with historical differences between Christianitys East and West, learns the Orthodox practice of the prayer of the heart, and explores the landscape, the monastic communities, and the food of Athosa monastic republic like no other place on earth. New to this edition, Archimandrite Dionysios, a monk from the Holy Mountain, reflects on the ecumenical openness fostered as a result of, and since, Abbot Basils stay. The abbots experiences on Mount Athos motivated him to re-examine his role as a monk and his relationship to God. His inspiring meditations will help you to explore your own relationship to God and to others.
At Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers, Georgia, Abbot Basil Pennington gave weekly talks to the monks on the Rule of Saint Benedict. These talks have been organized into book form to illustrate a way of life to be lived in love for Jesus Christ and in service to others.
A new edition of the classic that helped launch the Centering Prayer movement. Centering Prayer is a precious part of the ancient spiritual traditions of the West. When Finding Grace at the Center was first published in 1978, people all over the world welcomed this practical guide to a simple and beautiful form of meditative prayer. Reflections and advice on Centering Prayer’s possibilities—and its pitfalls—are presented with clarity and simplicity, with a vision of the deeper life of the soul that contemplative prayer can bring about. Now, with a new foreword by Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, PhD, another generation will discover the amazing difference Centering Prayer can make in their lives.
Let the Psalms help you forge a deeper connection to the Divine. Showing how the Psalms give profound and candid expression to both our highest aspirations and our deepest pain, the late, highly respected Cistercian Abbot M. Basil Pennington shares his reflections on some of the most beloved passages from the Bible’s most widely read book. In this companion volume to The Song of Songs: A Spiritual Commentary, Pennington is once again joined by Jewish artist Phillip Ratner, whose evocative works will lead you into more meaningful contemplation of the inner spirit of the Psalms. Pennington describes how the monastic tradition of regular reflection on the Psalms—a technique St. Benedict called the “work of God,” or Opus Dei—can help you transform your everyday life into a powerful life of prayer. Enriched by Jewish and Christian faith, the drawings and meditations speak to every person wanting both to connect with their most human longings and to forge a vital connection with the Divine.
An informative and fascinating look at Merton's life and writings by a fellow-Trappist. Father Basil takes us on a whirlwind review through the seasons of Merton's life and work. An engaging approach for new readers and a refreshing review for long-time Merton fans, this carefully planned anthology by a fellow monk and a friend abounds with helpful insights into the life and writings of the most influential spiritual mentor of our time." William H. Shannon Author of Silent Lamp: The Thomas Merton Story A splendid introduction to Thomas Merton in his own words. Selections paint a balanced and rich portrait of the monk, mystic, poet, prophet, and spiritual master. Once again, Father Pennington reveals his intimate knowledge of his subject." E. Glenn Hinson Professor Emeritus Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond
Who do you say that I am?" "Who are my mother and brothers?" "Has no-one condemned you?" Jesus asked a lot of questions, and this volume identifies over 200 of them. Father Pennington reflects on the questions and suggests that living with the questions of Jesus, living in these questions, can bring us to a much wider perspective on our lives, in fact, to seeing our lives the way God sees them.>
Demonstrates how the peace and serenity found inside an abbey can be achieved despite the hustle and bustle of today's outside world. Pennington shows how, step by step, the spirituality of monasticism can be adapted for use in daily life.
CONTENT: What do you want? -- What did you go out to the desert to see? -- What do you want me to do for you? -- Who do you say that I am? -- Will God grant justice to his chosen? -- Is it lawful? -- Why do you not believe? -- Do you believe I can do this for you? -- How many loaves do you have? -- Do you see anything? -- Where are the nine? -- Has no one condemned you? -- Why should it clutter the ground? -- Did you not know? -- Who is my mother?
Discover the rich spirituality of monastic life on Mount Athos--a place like no other on earth. Twenty-five years ago, M. Basil Pennington, OCSO, was the first Western monk to live on Mount Athos for more than the usually permitted overnight visit. The Monks of Mount Athos chronicles his extraordinary stay, his experiences of the East, and lively conversations with his hosts about theological differences and unfamiliar spiritual practices. Listen in as Abbot Basil wrestles with historical differences between Christianity's East and West, learns the Orthodox practice of "the prayer of the heart," and explores the landscape, the monastic communities, and the food of Athos--a monastic republic like no other place on earth. New to this edition, Archimandrite Dionysios, a monk from "the Holy Mountain," reflects on the ecumenical openness fostered as a result of, and since, Abbot Basil's stay. The abbot's experiences on Mount Athos motivated him to re-examine his role as a monk and his relationship to God. His inspiring meditations will help you to explore your own relationship to God and to others.
A new edition of the classic that helped launch the Centering Prayer movement. Centering Prayer is a precious part of the ancient spiritual traditions of the West. When Finding Grace at the Center was first published in 1978, people all over the world welcomed this practical guide to a simple and beautiful form of meditative prayer. Reflections and advice on Centering Prayer's possibilities - and its pitfalls - are presented with clarity and simplicity, with a vision of the deeper life of the soul that contemplative prayer can bring about. Now, with a new foreword by Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, PhD, another generation will discover the amazing difference Centering Prayer can make in their lives.
The Bible is indeed "the manual of life". It is a guidebook for human happiness. Its instructions, however, are not always in plain sight. They must be discerned by finding the "inner meaning" of the scriptures, by peeling away the literal sense to discover the inner, spiritual sense of the holy text. That is what this book attempts to do.
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