Prayer

by Abhishiktananda

First published nearly forty years ago and having been translated into numerous languages, this classic text is written by a Benedictine monk whose Christianity was profoundly enriched by his encounter with Hindu spirituality.

Described by its author as 'a little book to help Christians in their inner renewal, and to make them increasingly attentive to the call of the Spirit', it is a simple and practical manual for learning to live each moment in the presence of God. 10 short chapters provide a lifetime's agenda and are full of gems of wisdom.

They focus the holy presence, the mystery of God, recognizing God in all things, listening for God's call, the prayer of silence, and contemplative reading of scripture. This deceptively simple text contains all the building blocks necessary for a mature life of prayer.

Genres: Spirituality, Christianity, Religion

Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

See also: Henri Le Saux

Abhishiktananda (30 August 1910, in Saint Briac, Brittany – 7 December 1973, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India) (Sanskrit:अभिषिक्तानन्द), born Henri Le Saux, was a French monk who, having moved to India in 1948 in search of a more radical form of spiritual life, adopted sannyasa in accordance with Indian tradition and became one of the pioneers of Hindu-Christian dialogue. Multiple contacts with prominent saints such as Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Gnanananda Giri and Sri H.W.L. Poonja, led him to profound advaitic experience as well as to final recognition of the truth of advaita during the last years of his life.

Reviews

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abhishiktanada was a Christian monk who delved deeply in, and lived, the spirit of Hinduism, in the early days of exploring how Christianity might be wedded with Eastern religious thought and practice. As a contemporary of Father Bede Griffiths, both on mission in India by authority of the Catholic Church, the former moved more away from his traditional Catholicism in integrating the two wisdom paths. His life became a revolutionary act, more so for its time, in wedding Indian theism and Christian contemplative wisdom. This work, unlike much of Abhishiktanada's, is purely arising from his Christian origins, an excellent, short introduction to Contemplative Prayer for beginners and those interested in understanding Contemplation in the Christian heritage.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on prayer I've ever read

[Darceylaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful look at prayer at the intersection of the Christian and Hindu traditions. Somewhat dense and esoteric, but it's a slim book and worth reading.