This is the second book (after The Imitation of Christ) that I am reading as part of my effort to re-introduce Christian writing into my spiritual practice this year.

This is a book that I first encountered in the book club at an Episcopalian church that I sometimes went to when I lived in an intentional Catholic community in Kansas City.

It was during my time in Kansas City that I made an important realization about my spirituality: that I best experience the presence of God alone, and in silence, and not in the boisterous evangelical praise and worship sessions I had been raised with.

This realization was a huge door opener for my pursuit of personal prayer, and when made me interested in meditation & contemplative prayer.

Reading the book in it’s entirely now has been a great primer on the basics of contemplative prayer, and one that has very much enhanced my prayer times. The author (depending on the translation) is kind, and gentle, and humble. And it’s in very short chapters, so it’s easy to read during prayer times. I recommend it to anyone who’s interested in Christian contemplative prayer.