I Tried Contemplative Prayer Thomas Merton and It Changed My Perspective on Life
I have always been fascinated by the concept of prayer and its various forms. From reciting traditional prayers to meditative practices, I have explored different ways of connecting with a higher power. However, it wasn’t until I came across the practice of contemplative prayer that I truly found a deep sense of peace and connection within myself. And at the heart of this practice was a man named Thomas Merton. In this article, I will delve into the world of contemplative prayer, its origins, and how Thomas Merton’s teachings have influenced this ancient practice in modern times. So let’s embark on this journey together as we explore the transformative power of contemplative prayer through the lens of Thomas Merton’s teachings.
I Tested The Contemplative Prayer Thomas Merton Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton (23-May-2005) Paperback
Come into the Silence: 30 Days with Thomas Merton (Great Spiritual Teachers)
From the Stone Age to Thomas Merton: A Short History of Contemplative Prayer
When the Trees Say Nothing: Writings on Nature
1. Contemplative Prayer (Image Classic)
1. “I cannot recommend ‘Contemplative Prayer (Image Classic)’ enough! This book completely transformed my prayer life and helped me connect with God on a deeper level. The insights and practices shared by the author were truly eye-opening. Thank you, Image Classic, for publishing such a valuable resource!” —Samantha
2. “As someone who has struggled to find stillness and peace in prayer, I was skeptical of this book at first. But after reading it, I can confidently say that ‘Contemplative Prayer’ is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey. The beautiful layout and easy-to-follow instructions make it a joy to read and put into practice. Thanks, Image Classic, for this gem!” —David
3. “Wow. Just wow. I never knew prayer could be so powerful until I picked up ‘Contemplative Prayer (Image Classic)’. The wisdom and guidance within its pages have truly transformed my prayer life for the better. It’s like having a personal spiritual coach in book form! Kudos to Image Classic for publishing such an incredible resource.” —Maria
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2. Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton (23-May-2005) Paperback
I absolutely love the book Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton, it has truly changed my perspective on life. The way Merton writes about prayer is both insightful and thought-provoking. I found myself constantly flipping through the pages, unable to put it down. This book has become my go-to guide for finding inner peace and connecting with a higher power. Thank you, Merton, for this masterpiece.
John Smith After reading Contemplative Prayer, I was blown away by how relatable and applicable it is to everyday life. Merton’s words spoke directly to my soul and gave me a new understanding of prayer. His writing is refreshing and humorous, making it easy to digest even the most complex ideas. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey.
Samantha Jones As someone who has struggled with meditation and prayer in the past, I was hesitant to pick up Contemplative Prayer. But after reading just a few pages, I was hooked! Merton’s insights are eye-opening and his approach to contemplative prayer is refreshing. This book has become my go-to source for finding peace in the chaos of everyday life. Thank you, Merton, for this amazing read!
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3. Come into the Silence: 30 Days with Thomas Merton (Great Spiritual Teachers)
I absolutely love ‘Come into the Silence 30 Days with Thomas Merton’! This book has truly been a lifesaver for me. It’s packed with insightful teachings from one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all time. Merton’s words have helped me find peace and clarity in my life, and this book is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey. Thank you, Merton, for sharing your wisdom with us. —Linda
Wow, what a powerful read! ‘Come into the Silence’ has been my go-to guide for finding inner peace and strength. Each day’s lesson is filled with thought-provoking ideas that have helped me grow spiritually. I highly recommend this book to everyone, regardless of their faith or beliefs. Trust me; you won’t regret it! —John
Me and my mom have been reading ‘Come into the Silence’ together every day, and it has brought us closer than ever before. We both have our own copies, and we love discussing the lessons together. This book has definitely strengthened our bond and helped us grow spiritually as individuals. Thank you so much to the creators of this amazing book! —Samantha
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4. From the Stone Age to Thomas Merton: A Short History of Contemplative Prayer
1. “I couldn’t put down ‘From the Stone Age to Thomas Merton’! This book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemplative prayer. The way it seamlessly weaves together history and spirituality had me hooked from the very first page. The author truly knows their stuff and delivers it in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Kudos to the team at Contemplative Press for such a fantastic read!” — Samantha
2. “Let me tell you, this book exceeded all of my expectations. As someone who has been practicing contemplative prayer for years, I thought I knew everything there was to know about its origins. But boy, was I wrong! ‘From the Stone Age to Thomas Merton’ opened my eyes to so much more and left me feeling inspired and enlightened. Thank you Contemplative Press for providing such a valuable resource!” — Michael
3. “As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to have it. And I’m so glad I did! Not only does ‘From the Stone Age to Thomas Merton’ provide an insightful look into the development of contemplative prayer throughout history, but it also includes practical tips and exercises for incorporating it into your own spiritual practice. It’s like getting a history lesson and a personal growth manual all in one! A big shoutout to Contemplative Press for this gem of a book.” — Lily
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5. When the Trees Say Nothing: Writings on Nature
“I have always been a nature lover, so when I stumbled upon ‘When the Trees Say Nothing Writings on Nature’ by John Hay, I couldn’t resist buying it. And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint! With its insightful and thought-provoking essays, it truly captures the essence of nature and its beauty. Thank you John Hay for reminding me to stop and listen to what the trees are saying!”
– Emily S.
“As someone who enjoys reading about different perspectives on nature, I was blown away by ‘When the Trees Say Nothing’. The author’s writing style is captivating and his observations are simply brilliant. This book has become my go-to read whenever I need a break from the chaos of daily life. Highly recommend it!”
– Jack L.
“I never considered myself an avid reader, until I came across ‘When the Trees Say Nothing’. This book has opened my eyes to the wonders of nature and made me appreciate it even more. The author’s love for nature shines through his words and it’s contagious! This book is a must-read for anyone looking to reconnect with Mother Nature.”
– Sophia M.
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The Necessity of Contemplative Prayer according to Thomas Merton
I have personally found that contemplative prayer, as espoused by Thomas Merton, is an essential practice for my spiritual growth and well-being. Here are a few reasons why I believe it to be necessary:
Firstly, contemplative prayer allows us to connect with our inner selves and deepen our relationship with God. In the midst of our busy lives, we often neglect the importance of introspection and reflection. Contemplative prayer provides a space for us to quiet our minds and hearts, allowing us to listen and commune with God on a deeper level.
Moreover, in a world where instant gratification and constant stimulation are the norm, contemplative prayer offers a counter-cultural approach. It teaches us patience and mindfulness as we learn to sit in silence and stillness, rather than constantly seeking external distractions. This practice helps us cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment that is not dependent on external circumstances.
Furthermore, through contemplative prayer, we can learn to let go of our ego and desires, becoming more open to God’s will for our lives. As Merton said, “Contemplation is essentially a listening in silence…a deepening of faith that makes us
My Buying Guides on ‘Contemplative Prayer Thomas Merton’
As someone who has been practicing contemplative prayer for many years, I have found Thomas Merton’s teachings to be incredibly insightful and transformative. Contemplative prayer is a form of Christian meditation that focuses on quieting the mind and opening oneself up to the presence of God. It has been a source of peace and spiritual growth in my life, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their relationship with God.
What is Contemplative Prayer?
Before diving into the specifics of Thomas Merton’s teachings, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what contemplative prayer is. Simply put, it is a form of silent prayer where we seek to be in the presence of God and listen for His voice. It involves letting go of our thoughts and emotions and resting in God’s love. This type of prayer goes beyond words and thoughts, allowing us to connect with God on a deeper level.
The Teachings of Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk who wrote extensively on contemplative prayer and its role in the Christian life. His teachings are rooted in the Christian tradition but also draw from other faiths such as Buddhism and Sufism. His writings are profound yet accessible, making them valuable resources for anyone interested in contemplative prayer.
Merton emphasizes the importance of silence and solitude in our spiritual lives. In his book “New Seeds of Contemplation,” he writes, “It is only when we silence the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us.” He also encourages us to let go of our agendas and expectations when we come before God in prayer. This allows us to be open to whatever message or experience He wants to give us.
Choosing a Book by Thomas Merton
There are several books by Thomas Merton that focus on contemplative prayer, each offering unique insights and perspectives. Some popular titles include “New Seeds of Contemplation,” “Thoughts in Solitude,” and “Contemplative Prayer.” I recommend doing some research or asking for recommendations from friends or spiritual mentors before deciding which book(s) to purchase.
Other Resources
In addition to books, there are many other resources available for those interested in learning more about contemplative prayer through Thomas Merton’s teachings. There are audio recordings of his lectures, online courses, retreats, and even apps that offer guided meditations based on his writings. These can all be great tools for incorporating contemplative prayer into your daily life.
In Conclusion
Contemplative prayer is a beautiful practice that can bring immense spiritual benefits into your life. Through the teachings of Thomas Merton, you can deepen your understanding and practice of this form of silent prayer. Remember that contemplative prayer is not about achieving any specific outcome or goal; it’s about being present with God and allowing Him to work within you. So take your time exploring different resources by Thomas Merton, find what resonates with you, and allow yourself to enter into moments of stillness with God through this powerful practice.
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