Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer [Paperback]

Richard Rohr (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0824516524 | ISBN-13: 978-0824516529 | Publication Date: March 1, 1999

This book is to help us pray better and see life differently. Using parables, koans, and personal experiences,he leads us beyond the techniques of prayer to a place where we can receive the gift of contemplation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard Rohr is an internationally known retreat master, speaker, and writer. He was founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"You cannot earn God. You cannot prove yourself worthy to God. It is simply a matter of awareness. Of enjoying the awareness. Coming to the awareness. There are moments when we believe it. Then it all makes sense. Once I can see it here and trust it, in this piece of clay, at this moment in time that I am - then the compliment is also passed on to you. I am able to see the divine image both in myself and in you and finally in all things. Finally the seeing is one. How you see anything is how you will see everything." - From the book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Crossroad (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824516524
• ISBN-13: 978-0824516529
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #976,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

130 of 140 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for Christians, May 10, 2002

By 

Mary R. Bast (Gainesville, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer (Paperback)

According to the publisher, Rohr wrote this book to "help us pray better and see life differently." I emphasize the second part, seeing life differently. As a personal coach I know that people don't change by ignoring or trying to overcome their limiting beliefs and perspectives. The most fundamental and significant changes occur when we witness ourselves as we are and without judgment. Rohr brilliantly balances Christian and Buddhist philosophy and practice to illustrate that contemplative prayer is not about being Christian -- it is about becoming whole. "The small calculating mind," he writes, "wants either/or, win/lose, good or bad... We do not think outselves into new ways of living. We live ourselves into new ways of thinking." When we let go of the stories that have defined us and become living witnesses to ourselves as we show up every day, we return to the sacred, to our most essential and least programmed essence. This happens through contemplative prayer, through meditation, and through everyday mindfulness. This is true of any spiritual journey, and not just for Christians.

66 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is strictly for those who want to once again "begin over", October 18, 1999

By 

Father Joseph leppard ([e-mail]) (Palestine, Texas 75802) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer (Hardcover)

As a Catholic Priest, I have always found Father Richard to be on sound bases; neither going right too far or left too far. I believe he is where the Spirit wants him in this book.

He teaches us through this book that we can always begin each day a new; looking and seeing differently; listening with the listening ear; and seeing with the seeing eye.

I highly recommend this book to all - high school seniors, college students, parents, above all, to priest who have be lack in their own adult education.

It is a book to have on your shelf when doubts about yourself,your faith and church come into conflict. It is a book that is an excellent tool to increase one's spiritual growth in union with God.

Father Joseph

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!, August 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer (Paperback)

Richard Rohr's "Everything Belongs" is an amazing book that not only encompasses contemplative prayer but also speaks about the christian life in general. I just finished high school and I highly recommend it to other teens (and adults, too) who are tired of all the liberal/conservative christian rhetoric and who are searching for the "Third Way," taking the best from the liberals and the conservatives and building a new outlook on life. I also recommend his "Simplicity: the Art of Living," however I do think one unacquainted with Rohr should start with "Everything Belongs." I'm not joking when I say that Richard Rohr is my role model! Also, if anyone is interested in a more structured approach to learning about contemplative prayer, I highly recommend "Arcmchair Mystic: Easing into Contemplative Prayer" by Mark Thibodeaux, S.J. I can honestly thank Fr. Thibodeaux to introducing me to the wonderful journey of the contemplative lifestyle!