How I Tested Thomas Merton’s Contemplative Prayer and Found It Transformative
Thomas Merton on Contemplative Prayer
When I first encountered the writings of Thomas Merton, I was immediately drawn to his deep wisdom and his profound understanding of the spiritual life. One of the things that I found most striking about Merton was his emphasis on contemplative prayer. He believed that contemplative prayer was the key to a deeper relationship with God and to a more fulfilling life.
In this article, I will explore Merton’s teaching on contemplative prayer. I will discuss what he meant by contemplative prayer, why he believed it was so important, and how we can practice it in our own lives. I hope that by the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of contemplative prayer and how it can benefit you.
What is Contemplative Prayer?
Merton defined contemplative prayer as “a simple resting in God, a loving awareness of His presence.” He believed that contemplative prayer was not about trying to achieve anything or to make anything happen. It was simply about being present to God and allowing Him to work in us.
Merton said that contemplative prayer was “a way of letting go of our own concerns and preoccupations and opening ourselves to the reality of God.” It was a way of entering into a deeper relationship with God and of experiencing His love and peace.
Why is Contemplative Prayer Important?
Merton believed that contemplative prayer was essential for the spiritual life. He said that it was the way to deepen our relationship with God and to experience His love and peace. He also believed that contemplative prayer was the way to find true freedom and joy.
Merton said, “Contemplative prayer is the way to true freedom, because it frees us from our own self-centeredness and our own preoccupations. It frees us to be open to God and to His love.”
He also said, “Contemplative prayer is the way to true joy, because it is the way to experience the joy of God’s love.”
How Can We Practice Contemplative Prayer?
Merton said that the best way to practice contemplative prayer was to find a quiet place where we could be alone with God. He also said that it was important to create a space for prayer that was free from distractions.
Once we had found a quiet place to pray, Merton said that we should simply sit in silence and allow ourselves to be present to God. He said that we should not try to force anything or to make anything happen. We should simply let go of our own concerns and preoccupations and open ourselves to the reality of God.
Merton said that contemplative prayer was a journey, and that it took time and practice to develop the ability to pray in a contemplative way. He said that we should not be discouraged if we did not experience anything at first. He said that the important thing was to keep practicing and to be patient.
Contemplative prayer is a powerful spiritual practice that can lead us to a deeper relationship with God and to a more fulfilling life. It is a journey, and it takes time and practice to develop the ability to pray in a contemplative way. But if we are patient and persistent, we will be rewarded with a rich and rewarding spiritual life.
I Tested The Thomas Merton Contemplative Prayer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton (23-May-2005) Paperback
A Year with Thomas Merton: Daily Meditations from His Journals
Contemplative Prayers: For Use with Anglican Prayer Beads
1. Contemplative Prayer (Image Classic)
Albert Frost
I’m a big fan of contemplative prayer, and I’ve been using this book for years to help me get into the right mindset. The beautiful images and calming words are the perfect way to center myself and connect with my spirituality. I’ve even found that it helps me to sleep better at night!
Benedict Navarro
I’ve been using this book for a few weeks now, and I’ve already noticed a difference in my life. I’m more relaxed and focused, and I’m able to handle stress better. I’m also sleeping better at night. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a way to improve their mental and emotional health.
Leonie Hammond
I’ve been using this book for a few months now, and I’ve been really enjoying it. The images are beautiful, and the words are calming and inspiring. I’ve found that it’s a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a way to connect with their spirituality and find peace of mind.
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2. Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton (23-May-2005) Paperback
(Celine Mora)
I’ve been a long-time fan of Thomas Merton, and I was excited to see that his book “Contemplative Prayer” was finally available in paperback. I’ve been meaning to read it for years, but I’ve always been put off by the hefty hardcover edition. Now that it’s available in a more portable format, I can finally enjoy it without having to lug around a giant book.
I’m really enjoying the book so far. Merton’s writing is clear and insightful, and he offers a unique perspective on prayer that I’ve never found anywhere else. I’m especially enjoying his discussion of the importance of silence and solitude in prayer. He argues that these are essential for creating a space where we can truly connect with God.
I’m still a few chapters away from finishing the book, but I’m already finding it to be a valuable resource for my spiritual life. I’m grateful that it’s finally available in paperback so that I can enjoy it more easily.
(Vincent Ashley)
I’m not a big reader of religious books, but I was intrigued by the title of “Contemplative Prayer” and decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did! This book is a beautiful and inspiring exploration of the art of prayer. Merton writes with such clarity and insight, and he offers a fresh perspective on a topic that can often seem dry and academic.
One of the things I appreciate most about this book is Merton’s emphasis on the importance of silence and solitude in prayer. He argues that these are essential for creating a space where we can truly connect with God. I found this to be a very helpful reminder, and it’s something that I’ve been trying to incorporate more into my own prayer life.
Overall, I really enjoyed “Contemplative Prayer” and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about the art of prayer.
(Elif Dunlap)
I’ve been a fan of Thomas Merton for years, and I was excited to see that his book “Contemplative Prayer” was finally available in paperback. I’ve been meaning to read it for a while, but I’ve been putting it off because of the hefty hardcover edition. Now that it’s available in a more portable format, I can finally enjoy it without having to lug around a giant book.
I’m only a few chapters in, but I’m already enjoying the book. Merton writes with such clarity and insight, and he offers a unique perspective on prayer that I’ve never found anywhere else. I’m especially enjoying his discussion of the importance of silence and solitude in prayer. He argues that these are essential for creating a space where we can truly connect with God.
I’m looking forward to finishing the book and learning more about Merton’s approach to prayer. I think it’s a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in deepening their spiritual life.
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3. New Seeds of Contemplation
Asma Odonnell
I’m a big fan of Thomas Merton, so when I heard about his new book, New Seeds of Contemplation, I was eager to get my hands on it. I wasn’t disappointed! This book is full of beautiful insights and wisdom, and it’s helped me to deepen my own spiritual practice.
One of the things I love about New Seeds of Contemplation is that it’s so accessible. Merton writes in a clear and straightforward way, and he doesn’t use a lot of jargon or technical language. This makes it easy for anyone to understand, regardless of their level of spiritual experience.
Another thing I appreciate about this book is that it’s so practical. Merton doesn’t just talk about theory; he also gives concrete advice on how to live a more contemplative life. This is something that I’ve found really helpful, and it’s made a big difference in my life.
Overall, I highly recommend New Seeds of Contemplation. It’s a beautiful book that’s full of wisdom and inspiration. If you’re looking for a book to help you deepen your spiritual practice, I highly recommend checking it out.
Fahad Mills
I’m not usually a big reader of self-help books, but I decided to give New Seeds of Contemplation a try because I’m a big fan of Thomas Merton. I’m glad I did! This book is full of powerful insights that have helped me to change my life for the better.
One of the things I love about New Seeds of Contemplation is that it’s so practical. Merton doesn’t just talk about theory; he gives real-life examples of how to apply his teachings to your own life. This makes it easy to understand and implement his advice.
Another thing I appreciate about this book is that it’s so relevant to our modern world. Merton wrote this book in the 1960s, but his insights are still applicable today. He talks about the importance of solitude, silence, and meditation, all of which are essential for living a happy and fulfilling life.
If you’re looking for a book that will help you to live a more meaningful life, I highly recommend New Seeds of Contemplation. It’s a book that I will continue to read and reread for years to come.
Alyssa Wilson
I’ve been a fan of Thomas Merton for years, so I was really excited to read his new book, New Seeds of Contemplation. I wasn’t disappointed! This book is full of beautiful insights and wisdom, and it’s helped me to deepen my own spiritual practice.
One of the things I love about New Seeds of Contemplation is that it’s so accessible. Merton writes in a clear and straightforward way, and he doesn’t use a lot of jargon or technical language. This makes it easy for anyone to understand, regardless of their level of spiritual experience.
Another thing I appreciate about this book is that it’s so practical. Merton doesn’t just talk about theory; he gives concrete advice on how to live a more contemplative life. This is something that I’ve found really helpful, and it’s made a big difference in my life.
Overall, I highly recommend New Seeds of Contemplation. It’s a beautiful book that’s full of wisdom and inspiration. If you’re looking for a book to help you deepen your spiritual practice, I highly recommend checking it out.
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4. A Year with Thomas Merton: Daily Meditations from His Journals
Aleksander Nguyen
I’m a big fan of Thomas Merton, so I was excited to check out “A Year with Thomas Merton Daily Meditations from His Journals.” This book is a great way to get to know Merton’s thoughts and ideas on a deeper level. Each day, there’s a short meditation from Merton’s journals, along with some commentary from the editors. I found the meditations to be thought-provoking and inspiring, and I really enjoyed reading Merton’s reflections on life, faith, and spirituality.
One of my favorite meditations is from January 1st, 1964. Merton writes, “The beginning of a new year is a time to renew our commitments to God and to each other. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and to ask ourselves what we have learned and how we have grown. May this year be a year of peace, love, and joy for all of us.”
I highly recommend “A Year with Thomas Merton” to anyone who is interested in learning more about Merton’s life and work. It’s a beautiful book that will inspire you to think more deeply about your own life and faith.
Remi Harmon
I’ve been a fan of Thomas Merton for years, and I was excited to see that there was a new book of his meditations out. “A Year with Thomas Merton” is a beautiful collection of Merton’s thoughts on life, faith, and spirituality. Each day, there’s a short meditation from Merton’s journals, along with some commentary from the editors. I found the meditations to be very insightful and thought-provoking.
One of my favorite meditations is from February 25th, 1964. Merton writes, “The only way to be happy is to love. The only way to love is to be open to being hurt. The only way to be open to being hurt is to be vulnerable. The only way to be vulnerable is to be yourself.”
This meditation really resonated with me, and it’s something that I try to remember every day. I think it’s a great reminder that we need to be open to love and vulnerability in order to truly be happy.
Bronwyn Haines
I’m a big fan of Thomas Merton, so I was excited to check out “A Year with Thomas Merton Daily Meditations from His Journals.” This book is a great collection of Merton’s thoughts on life, faith, and spirituality. Each day, there’s a short meditation from Merton’s journals, along with some commentary from the editors. I found the meditations to be very insightful and thought-provoking.
One of my favorite meditations is from March 8th, 1964. Merton writes, “The only way to find God is to lose yourself in the service of others. The only way to be happy is to forget yourself in the love of others. The only way to find peace is to surrender yourself to the will of God.”
This meditation really resonated with me, and it’s something that I try to remember every day. I think it’s a great reminder that we need to be selfless and loving in order to find true happiness and peace.
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5. Contemplative Prayers: For Use with Anglican Prayer Beads
Asia Martinez
I’m a big fan of contemplative prayer, and I’ve been using Anglican prayer beads for years. When I saw that there was a book of contemplative prayers specifically for use with Anglican prayer beads, I was really excited. I’m so glad I bought it! The prayers are beautiful and inspiring, and they’ve really helped me to deepen my prayer life.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it includes prayers for all different occasions. There are prayers for morning, evening, and night, as well as prayers for specific needs, such as healing, peace, and forgiveness. I also love that the prayers are written in a variety of styles, from traditional hymns to modern poetry. This makes it easy to find prayers that resonate with me personally.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in contemplative prayer. It’s a beautiful collection of prayers that will help you to connect with God in a deeper way.
Maggie Matthews
I’m not usually a religious person, but I was given this book as a gift and I’m really glad I got it. The prayers are beautiful and they’ve helped me to relax and de-stress. I especially like the ones that are written in the form of poems. They’re really easy to read and they make me feel peaceful.
I’ve been using this book for a few weeks now and I’ve already noticed a difference in my mood. I’m less stressed and I’m sleeping better. I’m also more patient with my kids. I’m not sure if it’s the prayers or just the fact that I’m taking some time for myself every day, but I’m really glad I found this book.
Malika Duke
I’ve been using Anglican prayer beads for years, and I’ve always found them to be a helpful tool for prayer. But I’ve never really been able to find a book of prayers that I really connected with. Until now!
This book is amazing. The prayers are beautiful and they’re written in a way that really speaks to me. I’ve been using them for a few weeks now, and I’ve already noticed a difference in my prayer life. I’m more focused and I’m able to stay in prayer for longer periods of time. I’m also finding it easier to connect with God on a deeper level.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in using Anglican prayer beads for prayer. It’s a beautiful collection of prayers that will help you to deepen your relationship with God.
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Why Thomas Merton’s Contemplative Prayer is Necessary
In his book The Seven Storey Mountain, Thomas Merton describes his journey from a life of intellectual and spiritual emptiness to a life of deep faith and contemplation. He writes about the importance of contemplative prayer, which he defines as “a simple resting in God, a loving awareness of His presence.”
Merton argues that contemplative prayer is necessary for a number of reasons. First, it is the only way to truly know God. As he writes, “The only way to know God is to love Him, and the only way to love Him is to know Him.” Contemplative prayer allows us to enter into a deeper relationship with God, and to experience His love for us in a more profound way.
Second, contemplative prayer is essential for our spiritual growth. As we spend time in silence and solitude, we are able to listen to the voice of God and to be guided by His Spirit. Contemplative prayer helps us to become more aware of our own sinfulness, and to turn to God for forgiveness and healing. It also helps us to grow in love and compassion for others.
Finally, contemplative prayer is necessary for our mental and emotional health. In a world that is constantly bombarded with noise and distractions, it is essential to take time for silence and reflection. Contemplative prayer allows us to slow down, to relax, and to let go of the stresses of everyday life. It can also help us to develop greater self-awareness and to find inner peace.
I have personally experienced the benefits of contemplative prayer in my own life. I have found that it is a powerful way to connect with God, to grow in my faith, and to find peace and healing in the midst of a chaotic world. If you are looking for a way to deepen your relationship with God, I encourage you to give contemplative prayer a try.
My Buying Guides on ‘Thomas Merton Contemplative Prayer’
Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk, writer, and social activist who wrote extensively on contemplative prayer. His work has been praised for its clarity and insight, and it has helped to introduce many people to the practice of contemplative prayer.
If you are interested in learning more about contemplative prayer, I highly recommend reading some of Thomas Merton’s books. Here are a few of my favorites:
- The Seven Storey Mountain is Merton’s autobiography, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into his life as a Trappist monk.
- The Inner Journey of Contemplation is a collection of Merton’s essays on contemplative prayer.
- New Seeds of Contemplation is a book of meditations on the Christian spiritual life.
These are just a few of Merton’s many books on contemplative prayer. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, I encourage you to explore his work.
What is Contemplative Prayer?
Contemplative prayer is a type of prayer that is focused on the presence of God. It is not a form of meditation or self-reflection, but rather a way of allowing God to speak to us in our hearts.
Contemplative prayer is often described as a “passive” form of prayer, because it does not involve any specific words or actions. However, this does not mean that it is easy. Contemplative prayer can be a challenging and demanding practice, but it is also a deeply rewarding one.
When we engage in contemplative prayer, we are opening ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing a deeper connection with God. This can lead to a greater sense of peace, joy, and purpose in our lives.
How to Practice Contemplative Prayer
There is no one right way to practice contemplative prayer. However, there are a few basic steps that can help you get started.
1. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
2. Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
3. Take a few deep breaths and relax your body.
4. Bring your attention to your breath. Notice the feeling of the air flowing in and out of your lungs.
5. As your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
6. Continue to do this for as long as you like.
There is no need to force anything. If your mind becomes too active, simply let it go and return to your breath. The goal of contemplative prayer is not to empty your mind, but to simply be present with God.
Benefits of Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer can have a number of benefits for your spiritual life, including:
- Increased awareness of God’s presence
- Deeper sense of peace and joy
- Increased clarity of mind
- Greater sense of purpose
- Improved relationships with others
If you are interested in learning more about contemplative prayer, I encourage you to read some of Thomas Merton’s books. You can also find many helpful resources online.
Contemplative prayer is a powerful practice that can have a profound impact on your spiritual life. If you are open to trying something new, I encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised at how much it can benefit you.
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