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Finding God Through Meditation: St. Peter of Alcantara
Finding God Through Meditation is the second book of Dan Burke’s Navigating series that brings the wisdom of the saints into your hands. This series is a goldmine for Catholics to deepen your relationship with God and to grow into a deeper union with Jesus Christ.
Finding God Through Meditation by St. Peter of Alcantara is little known, as is the saint himself. Don’t let that fool you. He directed the great mystic St. Teresa of Avila on difficult questions she had about prayer, for which she has written about in her Interior Castle. St. Teresa turned to this great treatise on meditation by St. Peter for guidance.
St. Peter of Alcantara’s work is a sure antidote to much of the false teaching of our day. His insights on prayer are profound and far reaching. You will find here the gems that God has in store for all who truly desire to grow in relationship with Him in prayer. Finding God Through Meditation gives you a window into perspectives on prayer that should challenge and enrich you for years to come.
About the Series: Dan Burke’s Navigating series brings the wisdom of the saints into your hands. This series is a goldmine for Catholics to deepen your relationship with God and to grow into a deeper union with Jesus Christ.
Endorsements:
Many people today are recognizing the act that the human person yearns for meaning in life, a meaning which is found in one’s relationship with the Creator. Dan Burke’s new work on meditation, especially in the thoughts of St. Peter of Alcantara and also reflected in his close collaboration with St. Teresa of Avila, offers significant help in this search. We are made aware that these Saints rejected the notion that meditation is the work of the human mind. Rather, it lies in seeking a quiet and peaceful time with the Living God. Prayer in this work is defined as “A bath, an open place, a bed of pleasure wherein the soul rests and finds refreshment.”
Of special interest is Dan Burke’s updated translation of St. Peter of Alcantara’s treatise on prayer and meditation. This book allows the reader to share in the experience of the Saints who are masters of prayer. This is certainly a growing need to the growing secularism and even implicit atheism which is present in our culture. — Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark
Dan Burke’s presentation of writings of the Franciscan Saint Peter of Alcantara is a welcome addition to the body of Franciscan spirituality. Although initially written some 400 years ago, Saint Peter’s approach to a method for meditation, and his practical advice on how to enter into meditation, are of timeless significance and of great value to anyone seeking to foster a deeper Franciscan spirituality. Dan Burke’s organization of St. Peter’s work prepares the reader to more fully embrace his process for meditation. The reader will feel compelled to return to this book time and time again to grasp the depth of Saint Peter’s wisdom and to endeavor to incorporate his teachings into one’s daily life. — Fr. Sean O. Sheridan, TOR, President, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Finding God Through Meditation by St. Peter of Alcantara is little known, as is the saint himself. Don’t let that fool you. He directed the great mystic St. Teresa of Avila on difficult questions she had about prayer, for which she has written about in her Interior Castle. St. Teresa turned to this great treatise on meditation by St. Peter for guidance.
St. Peter of Alcantara’s work is a sure antidote to much of the false teaching of our day. His insights on prayer are profound and far reaching. You will find here the gems that God has in store for all who truly desire to grow in relationship with Him in prayer. Finding God Through Meditation gives you a window into perspectives on prayer that should challenge and enrich you for years to come.
About the Series: Dan Burke’s Navigating series brings the wisdom of the saints into your hands. This series is a goldmine for Catholics to deepen your relationship with God and to grow into a deeper union with Jesus Christ.
Endorsements:
Many people today are recognizing the act that the human person yearns for meaning in life, a meaning which is found in one’s relationship with the Creator. Dan Burke’s new work on meditation, especially in the thoughts of St. Peter of Alcantara and also reflected in his close collaboration with St. Teresa of Avila, offers significant help in this search. We are made aware that these Saints rejected the notion that meditation is the work of the human mind. Rather, it lies in seeking a quiet and peaceful time with the Living God. Prayer in this work is defined as “A bath, an open place, a bed of pleasure wherein the soul rests and finds refreshment.”
Of special interest is Dan Burke’s updated translation of St. Peter of Alcantara’s treatise on prayer and meditation. This book allows the reader to share in the experience of the Saints who are masters of prayer. This is certainly a growing need to the growing secularism and even implicit atheism which is present in our culture. — Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark
Dan Burke’s presentation of writings of the Franciscan Saint Peter of Alcantara is a welcome addition to the body of Franciscan spirituality. Although initially written some 400 years ago, Saint Peter’s approach to a method for meditation, and his practical advice on how to enter into meditation, are of timeless significance and of great value to anyone seeking to foster a deeper Franciscan spirituality. Dan Burke’s organization of St. Peter’s work prepares the reader to more fully embrace his process for meditation. The reader will feel compelled to return to this book time and time again to grasp the depth of Saint Peter’s wisdom and to endeavor to incorporate his teachings into one’s daily life. — Fr. Sean O. Sheridan, TOR, President, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
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About the author
Daniel Burke
49 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 28, 2019
It is obvious why St. Teresa of Jesus (Ávila) would value such a spiritual guide as St. Peter of Alcantara. His writings are straightforward, tightly-organized, easy to read/understand and most of all, wise, neither too rigid, nor too lax. I listened to most of this book on kindle while exercising and prolonged my time to finish it.
Just some of the gems contained therein:
Chapter I—Perspective on Meditation and Devotion, i.e., its efficacy, how acquired, things necessary to prayer and preparation necessary to prayer;
Chapter II—The Way of Meditation; on spiritual reading, meditation, gratitude in prayer and oblation;
Chapter III—Counsels for Meditation, or things to be concerned about: rigid methods, intellectual speculation, contrived devotion, excessive efforts, perseverance in aridity, brevity in meditation, yielding to consolations and to contemplation;
Chapter IV—Deepening Devotion: what it is and 9 means to acquire as well as 9 impediments;
Chapter V—Common Temptations in Meditation and Their Remedies; Here is where I found St. Peter to shine for, he does not advocate harsh treatment when one experiences difficulties with meditation; quite the reverse. His recommendations rather call for us to first recognize our own humanity with humility, not to fear and renew our trust in the Supreme Goodness of God. He gives other particulars, but that is the basis of all of them, which undoubtedly, he passed on to Teresa.
Chapter VI—Other Certain Admonitions Necessary for Spiritual Persons; Once again, St. Peter offers suggestions in dealing with such things as not pursuing of consolations, nor revealing them to others when they occur, humility, dedication to prayer, spiritual gluttony, and legalism.
Chapter VII and VIII—7 Meditations on the Chief Mysteries of our Faith and 7 More on the Passion of Our Lord; these are excellent! As I have not read/listened to all yet, technically I am not ‘finished’ with the book. I hope to continue to come back to these meditations as perfect preparation for Life Eternal.
This version also contains some biographical information on the saint.
Excellent book! MOST highly recommended!
After glancing at the Treatise on Prayer and Meditation, I believe they are much the same, although organized differently.
Just some of the gems contained therein:
Chapter I—Perspective on Meditation and Devotion, i.e., its efficacy, how acquired, things necessary to prayer and preparation necessary to prayer;
Chapter II—The Way of Meditation; on spiritual reading, meditation, gratitude in prayer and oblation;
Chapter III—Counsels for Meditation, or things to be concerned about: rigid methods, intellectual speculation, contrived devotion, excessive efforts, perseverance in aridity, brevity in meditation, yielding to consolations and to contemplation;
Chapter IV—Deepening Devotion: what it is and 9 means to acquire as well as 9 impediments;
Chapter V—Common Temptations in Meditation and Their Remedies; Here is where I found St. Peter to shine for, he does not advocate harsh treatment when one experiences difficulties with meditation; quite the reverse. His recommendations rather call for us to first recognize our own humanity with humility, not to fear and renew our trust in the Supreme Goodness of God. He gives other particulars, but that is the basis of all of them, which undoubtedly, he passed on to Teresa.
Chapter VI—Other Certain Admonitions Necessary for Spiritual Persons; Once again, St. Peter offers suggestions in dealing with such things as not pursuing of consolations, nor revealing them to others when they occur, humility, dedication to prayer, spiritual gluttony, and legalism.
Chapter VII and VIII—7 Meditations on the Chief Mysteries of our Faith and 7 More on the Passion of Our Lord; these are excellent! As I have not read/listened to all yet, technically I am not ‘finished’ with the book. I hope to continue to come back to these meditations as perfect preparation for Life Eternal.
This version also contains some biographical information on the saint.
Excellent book! MOST highly recommended!
After glancing at the Treatise on Prayer and Meditation, I believe they are much the same, although organized differently.
July 27, 2015
When I first received the book, Finding God Through Meditation, I wondered who this St. Peter of Alcantara was listed on the cover. He was apparently the author of this book and spiritual director of St. Teresa of Avila. That is a bit intimidating to think about, but I trust Daniel Burke and I know he wouldn't put hit name on something he didn't believe in, so that encouraged me to read on. There are eight chapters in this short book, but there is enough material to chew on for years, The chapters are as follows:
1. Perspective on Meditation and Devotion
2. The Way of Meditation
3. Counsels of Meditation
4. Deepening Devotion
5. Common Temptations in Meditation and Their Remedies
6. Other Certain Admonitions Necessary for Spiritual Persons
7. Subject Matter of Prayer and Daily Meditations
8. Seven Other Meditations on the Passion of Our Lord
The daily meditations found in the last two chapters prove to be some of the most useful in the book as they provide the reader with two different sets of meditations for each day of the week that guide the reader into a deeper prayer life. However, the chapter which really spoke to me at this moment in my life was Chapter Five. I assume that like me you have trouble praying and growing in your relationship with God. In this chapter, St. Peter of Alcantara outlines nine common problems we all face and some remedies for them. The eighth temptation - "An Inordinate Draw to Study" really hit home for me. In this section, he tells us, "In the day of judgment, we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done; not how eloquently we have spoken, but how well we have lived." These few lines reminded me to put down the books more often and not focus solely on the acquisition of knowledge. We can all benefit from reading the words of the saints, especially this saint's. If you want to read what St. Teresa read, then I highly recommend this book. Five stars!
1. Perspective on Meditation and Devotion
2. The Way of Meditation
3. Counsels of Meditation
4. Deepening Devotion
5. Common Temptations in Meditation and Their Remedies
6. Other Certain Admonitions Necessary for Spiritual Persons
7. Subject Matter of Prayer and Daily Meditations
8. Seven Other Meditations on the Passion of Our Lord
The daily meditations found in the last two chapters prove to be some of the most useful in the book as they provide the reader with two different sets of meditations for each day of the week that guide the reader into a deeper prayer life. However, the chapter which really spoke to me at this moment in my life was Chapter Five. I assume that like me you have trouble praying and growing in your relationship with God. In this chapter, St. Peter of Alcantara outlines nine common problems we all face and some remedies for them. The eighth temptation - "An Inordinate Draw to Study" really hit home for me. In this section, he tells us, "In the day of judgment, we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done; not how eloquently we have spoken, but how well we have lived." These few lines reminded me to put down the books more often and not focus solely on the acquisition of knowledge. We can all benefit from reading the words of the saints, especially this saint's. If you want to read what St. Teresa read, then I highly recommend this book. Five stars!
March 14, 2016
Peter of Alcantara was a contemporary of Teresa of Avila, and had a big influence on her. In this book he presents a profound, clear approach to Christian meditation.
I can't say I would recommend this to someone who was completely new to the idea of Christian meditation. For that, Teresa's Interior Castle might be a better introduction. But for those who want to explore the topic deeply, this work is ideal.
This is not a quick, easy read, but is certainly worth the time and effort involved.
I can't say I would recommend this to someone who was completely new to the idea of Christian meditation. For that, Teresa's Interior Castle might be a better introduction. But for those who want to explore the topic deeply, this work is ideal.
This is not a quick, easy read, but is certainly worth the time and effort involved.
February 16, 2017
Some very nourishing and challenging spiritual wisdom to ponder and chew on.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews