Written in a practical and personal style, Catherine Doherty's popular book brings us to the very heart of prayer. Her words give evidence of deep spirituality and practical wisdom as she draws on her years of reflection on Eastern and Western spiritual masters, tempered by her personal trials and tribulations.
Distilling for us the answers to the pressing questions about prayer that dwell in our hearts, Catherine offers encouragment for growing in our prayer life. She gives us a book to meditate on, to open our perceptions, and shows us how to find space in our lives for prayer.
"If you want to know what prayer is like," Catherine tells us, "listen to a child of two or three. When we address God in a childlike way, that's prayer."
Seeking to live and understand the radical gospel of Jesus Christ, Catherine reveals how prayer has been the soul of her soul, her comfort and her enlightenment. More than just ideas on prayer, this book is about how to develop a personal, intimate life with God.
"Thousands of books have been written on prayer. I don t suppose God minds the books, but I think he wants you and me to be the book." -- Catherine Doherty
Ekaterina Fyodorovna Kolyschkine Doherty, better known as Catherine Doherty, CM (1896-1985) was a social activist and foundress of the Madonna House Apostolate. A pioneer of social justice and a renowned national speaker, Catherine was also a prolific writer of hundreds of articles, best-selling author of dozens of books, and a dedicated wife and mother. Her cause for canonization as a saint is under consideration by the Catholic Church.
The great men and women of prayer were birthed in the fires of failure, trials and tribulations. Catherine lived on the empty side of the cross and found the furnace of prayer to be the place where her life was strangely warmed by Christ's love. Read this book and the flames of her fiery prayer life will warm yours.
Like Dorothy Day but from Russian Orthodox romantic mysticism rather than WASP Episcopalianism. Like Teresa of Avila but a lady married twice. Hearing a married lady with kids describe prayer as constant love-making hits differently than when a desert father says it. Sorry, Origen.