Customer Reviews

Fear Not the Night: Based on the Classic Spirituality of John of the Cross (30 Days with a Great Spiritual Teacher)

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If you feel a yearning for deeper spirituality, but are disenchanted with religion, this little book may be for you.

John of the Cross continues to be the greatest Western spiritual master of this age. After 500 years, his popularity is only growing. His insightful writings appeal to persons of all faiths. In Kirvan's words, "he leads the seeking soul more deeply, more insistently, more uncompromisingly, and more sure-footedly into the mysteries of personal union with God than any other."

That may sound intimidating, but this book is accessible to anyone. I read it on the train each day on the way to work. Each day is a three-part process: read, reflect and pray. Kirvan provides a small excerpt of John's writing that can be read in about 2 minutes, but contains enough food for thought to nourish you for the whole day. Then there is a small "mantra" phrase (for instance, "Let go of what you know") that can easily be memorized, or written on a small card and carried around with you, to be reflected on during the day. Then, for the end of day, there is a prayer that incorporates the day's theme. (I read that on the train going home at night.) So in 30 days, without taking any significant time out of my schedule, I found a spiritual friend in John of the Cross who nurtured my soul. My thanks to John Kirvan for making this possible. I've just ordered another four books in the same series, and more of the writings of John of the Cross.

This is a great way to put yourself in the presence of the Lord for the day. Morning prayer, prayer through the day and night examination of conscience. I would recommend this to anyone.