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Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer Paperback – September 1, 2009

by Thomas Keating (Author)

66 customer reviews

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A poetic and accessible introduction to the method of Centering Prayer, this guide explains its origins, theological basis, and psychology by drawing on the writings of important Catholic figures, such as St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, and significant texts, such as The Cloud of Unknowing. Describing the theological basis for the Centering Prayer while staying rooted in the heart of a practice that is very personal and intimate, the study explores how harmful attitudes and beliefs about God can distort a positive relationship with the divine. With a careful balance of both Christian and Buddhist philosophy, the volume also discusses the psychological barriers and levels of resistance that contemplatives must face and bolsters seekers with supportive practices like Lectio Divina (holy reading) and praying the rosary. Updated to include a new foreword, this revised edition of a much loved classic is sure to inspire a deeply intimate experience with God.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is perhaps Keating's most readable and enlightening work. Filled with insight and practical advice, it offers sound wisdom on the way that centering prayer can deepen our intimacy with God." —Spiritual Book News

"Packed into this book is a treasury of spiritual history and teaching. There is a richness of complexity which is always disciplined by the simplicity of the goal of prayer—union (or intimacy) with God." —St. Anthony Messenger

"For all those aspiring to a genuine spiritual life, Father Keating has charted a course that will take us progressively closer to our divine goal as we learn to touch God, first with the words of our lips, then with reflections of the mind and with the feelings of the heart." —Living Prayer

From the Back Cover

Thomas Keating is a Cistercian monk and is a founder of the Centering Prayer movement. This is perhaps Keating's most readable and enlightening work.

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Product details

Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company; Third Edition, Third edition edition (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0824525299
ISBN-13: 978-0824525293
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.7 x 7.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 66 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #267 in Spiritual Meditations (Books)
- #473 in Christian Meditation Worship & Devotion (Books)
- #1323 in Catholicism (Books)

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Don't be confused. This is not TM, but it is very worthwhile learning quest

January 27, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I am in search of an understanding and instruction set for practicing Christian based spirituality. Thomas Keating has provided just such a platform through this book. He gives you enough information to understand the foundations and get started, but skillfully avoids fire hosing the reader with information not germane to the focus of the book and the tasks at hand. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this type of gentle on the mind spirituality, western style....in my opinion not much different from Eastern versions, but nevertheless, it is different in important ways.

13 people found this helpful

Comment

Good, but not without some effort

July 30, 2011

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This was a book that I have enjoyed and learned much from, but it wasn't without effort.

First, let me say that I rate Intimacy With God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer a very good book on the subject of centering (or contemplative) prayer. I think it shares and teaches legitimate tools (techniques) that can be used to help facilitate prayerful union with God, but I don't think this book is a "how to" manual of sorts. I believe that centering prayer is not something that can be taught through step programs as such, but centering prayer begins with the Spirit of God drawing the person into this holy and sacred union. Disclaimer aside, it is a good book.

I mentioned it was not without effort for me to read and glean from the book; the first few chapters, from the introduction to chapter three, were very difficult reading for me. I realize the care that Thomas Keating was taking to provide a foundation and education before moving into the practice of centering prayer, but it was tough reading for me; I got lost with the flow of the writing and I misunderstood his points on several occasions. It was only through persevering through these introductory chapters that later chapter and explanation helped to make sense of some of the earlier work. I make this observation in light of familiarity with Keating's writing style (Open Mind, Open Heart; The Better Part; The Mystery of Christ; The Human Condition; and others) which I have easily understood. Chapters four through seven (Divine Therapy, Deepening the Experience, Guiding Contemplatives, and Lectio Divina: Listening to Scripture) were, by far, my favorites.

It is important to understand the context that Keating frames this book. He contends that centering prayer is entirely a work of God that we enter into. He also contends this is the highest, deepest, and most unifying expression of prayer with God, but it is not meant to be an exclusive expression. In this book and in other works of his he states the following:

What centering prayer is and is not: (1) it is not a techniques but a way of cultivating a deeper relationship with God (2) it is not a relaxation exercise but it may be quite refreshing (3) it is not a form of self-hypnosis but a way to quiet the mind while maintaining its alertness (4) it is not a charismatic gift but a path of transformation (5) it is not a para-psychological experience but an exercise of faith, hope, and selfless love (6) it is not limited to the "felt" presence of God but is rather a deepening of faith in God's abiding presence (7) it is not reflective or spontaneous prayer but simply resting in God beyond thoughts, words, and emotions.

I think the about quote from Keating is important information to know. Additionally, I think because of the importance and the effectiveness in developing the relationship with God centering prayer affords the Christian, they would be well-informed to read additional works on the subject. Keating is faithful to provide several works for additional study in the appendices of Intimacy With God.

This is a good book and I learned a lot. I have realized a language for sharing this expression of prayer that I have found difficulty talking about previously. I have also been encouraged with the some of the supporting practices I learned in the book. It will be one that I recommend although there are others on this subject I have enjoyed more.

40 people found this helpful

Comment

April 30, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I have a friend who does "Centering Prayer" and wanted to understand it. This is a great book to read for understanding and also for how to do it. I like the "idea" of meditation, but so much seems to be "centered" in Buddha. Nothing wrong with that, but I'm a Christian and do not believe in Buddha except that he might have some things worth sharing. I like this coming from a Christian perspective. I agree with Keating that practicing it in a group could be useful. Very interesting reading

9 people found this helpful

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Marilyn L. Mack

This is a good beginning to those who want to practice 'centering

January 17, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Thomas Keating's books are always inspirational, as are his retreats.

Holiness radiates from him. This is a good beginning to those who want to practice 'centering, silent, contemplative prayer'. It is also sometimes called meditation.

Anything Keating writes is full of information on the path to the creative center of the universe that we call God.

8 people found this helpful

Comment

Douglas Humphreys

not just the practice but the theology behind it this is a great book. Very practical

July 9, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This book is a classic. For anybody interested in Centering Prayer, not just the practice but the theology behind it this is a great book. Very practical, very full.

6 people found this helpful

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This book is by the Master of Centering Prayer and ...

March 22, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This book is by the Master of Centering Prayer and although the topic is complex Keating makes it easier to comprehend. To do it is a different matter.

3 people found this helpful

Comment

a very good book

January 3, 2019

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This made a wonderful gift for a person wanting to learn more about centering prayer.

One person found this helpful

Comment

Good for both beginners and those who've been at it awhile.

June 8, 2018

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

So helpful in stimulating prayer life.

2 people found this helpful

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