Customer Reviews

Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer

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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.

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

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!

Richard Rohr never leaves you feeling comfortable, and this book continues his prophetic posture. Christianity for Fr. Rohr is a personal committment to the cross, nothing less. His own brush with death,his faith, and age bring him wisdom which is worth contemplating. He leaves me desiring to know more about the Third Way. His best work yet, in my opinion.

The most powerful book I have read on issues of spirituality, contemplative prayer, self acceptance. A must read, Catholic or not.

It has taken me so long to find God. The person most responsible in helping me with my journey is Richard Rohr. Without his sharing I would have still been trying to climb the ladder - but now I'm stepping down and loving it. For the first time in my 36 years I can say that I have experienced God in my life, and I jumped for joy when I knew it. I have read and listened to many books and tapes by Richard over and over again. Each time I learn more. I have never experienced the peace, joy and love that I feel when hearing Richard's message - It is Good News. I am so glad I can leave behind now the Bad News of a God who did'nt love me because I was not good enough; I can leave behind a punishing God who was going to send me to Hell. How could I love a God like that? Who could? It has help me more than I can ever express to know that I am OK- that the transformation of me in all of this is my journey with God always by my side. Thank You Richard for saving me from me.

Superb book - great insights. At times an easy read for a very life changing subject, and yet at times perplexing. The book directs the reader to search for greater understanding.

I now have found peace. Richard has been exactly what I needed when I needed it. I have been saved from myself and in the process gained what I never thought possible. Thank God for Richard and thank Richard for God.