Foundations for Centering Prayer and the Christian Contemplative Life: Open Mind, Open Heart; Invitation to Love; The Mystery of Christ [Hardcover]

Thomas, O.C.S.O. Keating (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 20, 2002

An indispensable anthology of three of Father KeatingÆs most inspirational works. Open Mind, Open Heart is a classic best-seller. It initiates the reader into a deep, living relationship with God. Keating gives an overview of the history of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition, and step-by-step guidance in the method of centering prayer. Special attention is paid to the role of the Sacred Word, Christian growth and transformation, and active prayer. Invitation to Love: The Way of Christian Contemplation is the natural next step. In Open Mind, Open Heart, Father Keating presents the beginning of a process of spiritual growth. In this book, he outlines and explains the actual stages of this process, tackling questions such as: How will it affect my life? Where does it lead us spiritually? What obstacles will I encounter along the way? Why is it necessary? How does it work? Also following upon Open Mind, Open Heart, presenting a profound formation in Christian prayer, Mystery of Christ demonstrates the contemplative dimension of Christian worship. Here Father Keating recovers the deeper sense of the liturgical year and shares a theological and mystical perspective on the major feasts of the annual cycle. The reader is immersed in the wonder of faith in the mystery of Christ and of the unique nature of God's action and presence in and through the liturgy of our lives.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Father Thomas Keating is known throughout the world as an exponent, teacher, and writer on contemplative prayer. A Cistercian (Trappist) monk of St. Benedict's Monastery, Snowmass, Colorado, he is a founder of the Centering Prayer Movement and of Contemplative Outreach. He is the author of numerous books, particularly of the trilogy Open Mind, Open Heart; Invitation to Love; and The Mystery of Christ. Among his most recent books is The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living, compiled by S. Stephanie Iachetta.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (May 20, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826413978
• ISBN-13: 978-0826413970
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #503,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thomas Keating, founder of the centering prayer movement, is an author, teacher, and monk who has worked for many years to foster understanding among the world's religions. A member of the Cistercian Order in the Benedictine tradition, Father Keating has served at monasteries in Colorado and Massachusetts. He currently directs retreats in the practice of Centering Prayer, a cornerstone of contemporary Christian contemplative practice. He is the author of the best-selling Open Mind, Open Heart, Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit, St. Therese of Lisieux, Manifesting God, and The Transformation of Suffering, Divine Therapy and Addiction, among many other books. He lives at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Silent Prayer, April 13, 2008

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P. Perry "blueperry" (Montpelier, VA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Foundations for Centering Prayer and the Christian Contemplative Life: Open Mind, Open Heart; Invitation to Love; The Mystery of Christ (Hardcover)

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is so enlightening and helpful for silence and communion with God. Also Father Keating explains the false self so well and our need for faith.