Customer Reviews

Divine Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior Life for Every Day of the Liturgical Year

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There are books beyond number that propose to gently lead a soul by the hand as it progresses through the steps of "Seeking the Face of God". Some of them make a brave attempt but loose the way through vague, sometimes incomprehensible writing. A very few succeed in fits and starts and soon return to my bookshelf to gather dust.

The answer to the search for a book that does exactly what its profound claims promise has ended with "Divine Intimacy"! This is not a small book at 1227 pages but it succeeds in every aspect on every page.

No need for a Theological degree (although many Theologians would profit from reading it) the writing is understandable, truly illuminating and relies on quotes from many saints for pithy quotes always "spot on" the point.

Being a former Religion teacher, Bible study leader, a Master of Formation in the Carmelite Third Order, an isolate Carmelite tertiary for over 30 years and also Oblate of St. Benedict I can assure you "Divine Intimacy" is true to the Faith and not some PC scree written for the balloon and banner crowd. I hate to mention credentials but I want you to realize I am not speaking through my hat here when I tell you that this book will lead you to closer union with Almighty God if you even give it half a try....

This wonderful edition had been out of print for a few years. Used books were almost impossible to find. We should be so grateful that Tan Publishing has brought it back in print. Carmelite history and prayer began with Elijah on Mount Carmel. From Elijah has descended a long line of saints who have heard the voice of the Lord calling them to leave everything and come and drink from the holy steams of God. This book is an invitation for all to come and pray like the holy men and women of the past. The daily prayers and meditations will lift you to incredible heights. These prayers and meditations are not simply for recitation. When read slowly and reflectivedly, these devout outpourings have the power to snatch you up as well into the sublime intimacy of knowledge and love that our saints experienced in the divine mysteries. So, for a mystical experience and to increase your love for God, I strongly recommend this treasure that is timeless for its truth and beauty.

I have both this book and In Conversation With God. This book tends to be more contemplative, while Fr. Fernandez's books (ICwG) tends to be more pastoral. Also, this book follows the readings of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, while the ICwG books follow the post-concilliar cycle of readings.

I can honestly say that this book is very good for giving your prayer life a jump start. I get more out of it when I couple it with a Rosary or quiet time. If you want to read a section, set it down and go back to your daily activities, you won't get much out of this. It is meant to be a springboard to further prayer.

Finally, and Baronius Press has now acquired the sole rights to print this book in English, so I don't think you will be able to get this edition by Tan Books.

I'd highly recommend getting a Sunday Missal or Daily Missal according to the 1962 rite, too. It makes following the readings a lot easier.

Devotion or "prayer" in the spiritual life differs greatly from the formal, organised study of Philosophy and Theology - it is the personal search for God - the daily practise, if you like, of "dialoguing" with one's Creator, a practise essential for every Christian.
I can think of no better aid beyond the Word of God itself (and frequent attendance at the Sacraments) than "Divine Intimacy" to bring the serious - and sincere Christian - to a better awareness of God in his daily life.

This book finally eliminates the possibility of the Christian practising something other than what he preaches.It will bring him in line with the highest aspects of the Christian Faith. Invaluable.

We have several similar books but I have never succeeded at sticking with them. I really like that this is broken down into short meditation readings (about 1 1/2 to 2 pages) and then a colloquy (a "conversation" with God) about the meditation. They follow the cycle of the Church, although not 100% up to date with Vatican II from what I can tell.

My wife and I have made it part of our daily prayer life.

"Divine Intimacy" is a set of daily readings and meditations that trace the Church's Liturgical year. The readings and meditations are both deep and profound. Each reading takes us through a meaningful set of issues, relative to the Liturgy. And the meditations are the reflections of the Saints on these particular issues.

This past year, I have begun every day with a reading and a meditation from "Divine Intimacy". And it has been a wonderful start for each day of this wonderful year. I strongly recommend this practice to all. God bless.

By the way, TAN Books of Rockford, Illinois has made this beautiful new edition available in an attractive, leather-bound format. It is a treasure. And we strongly recommend it.

Excellant book for someone seeking deeper spirituality and humility. We all should seek out items that help us on our way home, which is Heaven. A book which leads us furthur down our spiritual path is beneficial to our growth as creations of God in His Image. I recommend this book for anyone, and suggest buying one as a gift for a friend that you can phone and share what you gleem from each daily reading.

Do you want to challenge yourself to be a better Christian, a better person? Do you really want to get closer to God? Read these meditations everyday and then read them again and again and again and etc. A truly unbelievable book. I have given several of my friends and family copies of this book and will continue to do so for others in the future. I cannot begin to describe how good this book is and how it has changed my life and those I have given it to. I challenge you to buy it and read it yourself and then write your own review. I'll bet it may make my review look very small.

God bless and happy reading. This book is not for the faint of heart.

This is a wonderful meditation book following the distinctive theological contributions found in the Carmelite tradition. It is worth every penny.

Divine Intimacy is the best meditation book I have come across. It is not easy reading; there are days when I need a dictionary to get through the reading. However this book has helped me explore many issues on a much deeper level than ever before. There is a reading for each day of the liturgical year. I usually read the day's reading in the morning and it really helps to provide a focus and direction for that day's activities. If you are trying to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, this is a book you should consider. It has been very important to my contempletive life.