Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer

by Richard J. Foster

At the very heart of God is the passionate disposition to be in loving fellowship with you. From the human side of this equation it is meditative prayer that ushers us into this divine-human fellowship. Richard Foster, bestselling author and founder of Renovare, writes these words as one who has experienced what they describe. And in this new book he will beautifully guide you in this transformational way, that you might come to know deeper fellowship with God. Weaving together quotes and stories from the lives of mothers and fathers of the faith as well as powerful encounters with God from his own life, Foster describes the riches of quieting your mind and heart in order to listen to and obey God more closely. Along the way, at perhaps his clearest, most practical best, he also provides the biblical teaching and step-by-step help you need to begin this prayer practice for yourself. The journey into meditative prayer is not easy, but it is essential. And, as Foster shows, it's possible, even in the midst of the noisy, often chaotic world we live in. Your soul can become a sanctuary where you fellowship with the very God of the universe, who knows you and loves you deeply.

 

Genres: Prayer, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Faith

165 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Richard J. Foster is the author of several bestselling books, including Celebration of Discipline, Streams of Living Water, and Prayer, which was Christianity Today's Book of the Year and the winner of the Gold Medallion Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. He is the founder of Renovaré, an intrachurch movement committed to the renewal of the Church in all her multifaceted expressions, and the editor of The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible.

Reviews

[Clint Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love just about everything that Richard Foster writes. So, when I saw that he was writing a new book on meditative prayer I pre-ordered it immediately. It came out a little early, and I have been slowly plodding away at reading this book. I just finished Foster's book, and I have to tell you, it exceeded my expectations.

Sanctuary of the Soul is a guide to help believers in understanding and practicing meditative prayer. I have always found meditative prayer and contemplative prayer difficult. This is because I both have some emotional discomfort with the practice of mediation in a secular/interfaith context, and because I feel like a failure when I attempt to understand and practice contemplative prayer.



Many of the practices of slowing in meditative prayer that people find helpful are true across religious groups. These practices include manipulation of one's posture, the use of relaxation techniques, the intentional slowing and measuring of one's breathe, and other similar things. Having been exposed to transcendental meditation, and believing it to be a non-Christian form of worship, and seeing similarities between common practices of TM and some forms of what Christian leaders call meditative prayer, I find myself immediately off-put by the way I have been led in "contemplative" spiritual exercises in a Christian context.

Also, I have studies several books on meditative prayer, and I find the descriptions of these kinds of prayer difficult. Books like The Cloud of Unknowing, Madame Guyon's Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ, and Merton's Seeds of Contemplation make me want to give up on the contemplative journey altogether.

Thankfully for me, God has raised up men like Richard Foster to write books like Sanctuary of the Soul. Foster's brilliance in his writing is that he makes challenging spiritual practices understandable, and in a small way attainable. Often as I read Foster describe a spiritual practice, I recognize that I have already prayed in that fashion. Then I read on, and I find that he often gives me very practical help in how to pray better and more meaningfully.

I found this process I described happened often as I read through Sanctuary of the Soul. For instance, Foster gives clear instructions in how to enter into meditative prayer effectively. Specifically he speaks about walking your way into meditative prayer, or reading poetry as a way to slow your mind into a more contemplative state. These are basic instructions and helpful advice in the life of prayer, but they are also things we ofen forget when we want to become more prayerful.

I discovered that there were several times where God was leading me into meditative prayer, and I did not know it because I did not have the words for it. I felt less discouraged that I could not "do mediative prayer" right, and I felt encouraged to do it in my own way. The result is a sense of grace and peace in my walk with God, and that a new way of praying can "make sense". And this is truly a gift.

I recommend many of you go out and purchase this fine book. It will be treasured in my life and on my shelf.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m generally quite skeptical of “contemplative prayer,” largely because it is almost always a gateway for other bad influences to come in. Nonetheless, Foster offers us some suggestions for “slowing our pace” and keeping in touch with the Spirit.

Good and Bad of the book:

Strong section on meditation, even using the Hebrew (and even better, actually using the Hebrew alphabet). Meditate means to chew on words in obedience to God’s will (Foster 19).

I’m undecided on the lectio divina. I agree that Scripture is supposed to form us, but when we start on his advice, it looks a lot like we are forming Scripture. Drawing the mind down into the heart in reading is good. I agree, but pretending I am hugging Jesus is a bit too much for me.

Foster misunderstands what Eastern Orthodox said about icons, and he gets Theophan the Recluse wrong. True, the East is iconic and even pray before icons. However, at the same time guys like Theophan said we should empty our minds of imagination when praying. That is the exact opposite of what Foster said.

Really good section on “Hearing God” and he pointed to Dallas Willard’s work for more advice.

[Happyreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read like he still hasn’t figured out his stance on meditative prayer, odd since he wrote his highly acclaimed and inspired Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home 20 years earlier. Read also like his editor said “Meditation is so popular now. How about a Christian perspective?” His heart's not in it, except for a lengthier than the topic required discourse on Satan and the evils of other non-Christian "spiritual" practices. Neither Buddhist nor non-denominational mindfulness meditation are ever mentioned but I'm guessing he doesn't approve from his preface to the recommended readings section where he warns against being led astray by what you find if you Google meditation. What’s presented here as an alternative lacks teeth and seems more like reflective spiritual reading, especially since he says he prefers to do it holding a cup of coffee.

[Jenna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Richard Foster’s body of work is now considered a classic of the contemporary Christian spirituality canon, with reason.
I feel like alot of the book was concepts and explanations on practices I am already very familiar with, but this just goes to show that he was a real trailblazer in the writing on meditation and contemplation.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth it for the last couple chapters again, and the exhortation to stop reading and just enter into meditative prayer.

[Thomas Flowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate Foster's religious upbringing. I come from a Church of Christ background, and my wife comes from a Southern Baptist background. We both currently attend a "former" Baptist church in our neighborhood. I guess you can say that we both come from two different pillars born of the protestant reformation who for whatever reason abandoned the ancient disciplines of the church.

A few years ago, a pastor at one of our churches introduced me to the concept of "spiritual discipline" and what that involved. I have been hungry for more ever since, gobbling up books such as "Sanctuary of the Soul" to help me delve deeper into listening to God. I am too often quick to anger and I lash out with words. I get upset too easily when things don't "go my way." I have guilty residues from my time served overseas in war. Meditative prayer helps me. Communing with God by attempting to simply listen has helped in ways I never would have imagined.

Sanctuary of the Soul is a deeper look into the meditative disciple found in Spiritual Disciplines, adding in newer insights from Foster. There is no step by step, check the box method to meditative prayer--he does however offer points of view to help you along the way. And not to get hung up with the feeling of "not doing it right." If you are honestly seeking to commune with God the Father, God the Son, and the God the Holy Spirit, you are already "doing it" right.

Bottom line: Sanctuary of the Soul is short, sweet, with plenty to digest. I would recommend reading "Spiritual Disciplines" before reading this book.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Forster's works. They bring a breath of fresh air on whatever topic he chooses to write. This is no different. Few people write on meditation in Christian realms. I suggest you read more of Richard Foster's works. They will challenge you to practice spiritual disciplines more frequently.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, practical book introducing readers to the importance of meditation in the Christian life. It’s deep, but not heavy, and simple without being simplistic.

[Deanne Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many gems in this short book. I read it slowly, savoring them and thinking about them. I kept my copy because I may read it again and return to the many sections I underlined.

[Sergiu Rusu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminder on the power and need of prayer and meditation 🙏

[Sylvia Jeronimo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, sweet and an easy afternoon read. Foster touches on the basics of soul care through meditation. His stories are lengthy yet relatable. Having now spent some time in these spiritual practices, I was particularly encouraged by the beauty of ‘beholding God’ and soberly reminded of the ‘ roaring lion’ who is the enemy of such beholding. A short book but full of depth and substance.

[Hilary Mak]

Finished this book in a day of retreat- a beautiful introduction to meditative prayer by one of the masters of it. Simple yet profound, easy but hard. I don't know how much of this I can embed I to my daily life - but I have a growing desire to do so.

[J. Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of Richard's best books ever -- clear, helpful, insightful, honest, welcoming, and warm. It's a book to which I'll return again and again.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little primer or refresher on contemplative prayer. Always most interesting when Foster is in storytelling mode.

I listened to the audiobook.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Sanctuary of the Soul, Richard Foster offers the Church a profound, gentle, and spiritually rich guide into the life of meditative prayer. With the depth of a mystic and the clarity of a teacher, Foster draws on Scripture, tradition, and personal experience to reintroduce believers to the ancient and vital practice of listening for the voice of God in stillness.

This book is more than instruction—it is invitation. From the outset, Foster roots meditative prayer in the biblical narrative, reminding us that "Isaac went out to meditate" (Genesis 24:63), that Jesus constantly listened and obeyed the Father (John 5:19), and that God still speaks—not with thunder or fire, but in “a sound of sheer silence” (1 Kings 19:12). With keen insight, Foster laments how churches often offer no training in this sacred art, leaving believers spiritually undernourished and unformed.

The book is structured in two parts: Laying the Foundation and Stepping into Meditative Prayer. In the first, Foster emphasizes that meditative prayer is not passive escapism but an active posture of attentiveness, a “deep speaking into the heart” through which Jesus continues to teach, guide, and love His people. He masterfully weaves biblical reflection with rich theological voices—Julian of Norwich, Thomas Merton, Madame Guyon, Tozer—showing that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who have walked this quiet path.

In Part Two, the book becomes even more practical and intimate. Foster describes meditative prayer as “a familiar friendship with Jesus,” one in which we learn to “sink down into the light and life of Christ.” Through practices like lectio divina, recollection, beholding, and listening, readers are gently led into a lifestyle of stillness that opens up a “portable sanctuary” within the soul. He explores the “sanctified imagination,” the transforming power of confession, and the nourishing silence where “all within you listens to Him.”

Foster's writing is itself meditative—marked by calm wisdom, poetic cadence, and spiritual warmth. He does not gloss over the struggle of distraction, nor the discomfort of silence, but sees them as parts of our transformation. As he writes, “Distraction is the primary spiritual problem of our day,” and meditative prayer is the antidote—not as a technique, but as a grace-filled posture of love, surrender, and holy attentiveness.

This book does not merely teach about prayer—it draws the reader into prayer. One emerges from its pages not only informed but invited. Foster captures the heart of the matter: “At the very heart of God is the passionate disposition to be in loving fellowship with you.” Meditative prayer, then, is the human response to that divine invitation—a yielding, beholding, and dwelling in God’s presence.

Sanctuary of the Soul is a quiet revolution. It will stir your heart, still your mind, and help you discover that within your very soul, God is already waiting.

Highly recommended for pastors, spiritual directors, and all who hunger for a deeper, quieter life with God.

[Benjamin · Rating 2 out of 5]

As the subtitle indicates, this is a guide to Christian mysticism. Though Foster does not intend it, it comes across as something of a "how to become a mystic in six steps" guide. I realize that there will always be mystics in the Christian church. Some people are just wired that way. But I find three aspects of "meditative prayer" troubling. First, it focuses on the individual, which feeds directly into the individualism of modern American evangelicalism. Second, it tends toward an isolationism, sort of a "Me and Jesus" mentality (see the song Me and Jesus by Tom T. Hall). Third, it is to an extent, anti-ecclesial. While Foster does refer occasionally to group and church, those considerations seem far from important to him. My own preference is for the Puritan understanding of meditation. There are a number of classic puritan works on meditation that can be accessed here: http://www.apuritansmind.com/the-puri...

[Thomas Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been really enjoying spiritual writing recently. Mostly just articles about various biblical figures. A series on Radio 4 about the prophets. And Sunday on Radio 4 more generally.

I think the older I get the more I feel myself needing to answer more questions of that kind. You know the kind... Existential ones.

I go through phases though. So currently it is Christian theology. I'll probably swerve toward Gnosticism again and then to more esoteric stuff, Buddhism and mysticism - before I get back again to some nice cosy C.S. Lewis again.

This book was lovely because it references Thomas Merton a lot (you know I adore him!) And gave me two other books to look up. A great poetry collection called A Pentecost of Finches by Robert Siegel. And Interior Castle by Saint Teresa of Avila.

A few really nice personal stories and a really helpful introduction to the idea of Christian meditation. Overall, just really calming and a charming read.

[Amanda Rogozinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seemingly ever-increasing popularity of Eastern meditation practices demonstrates an obvious need in our culture for inner peace and rest. My heart is burdened that it seems almost assumed that the place to take one’s anxiety and inner chaos is a yoga studio or the practice of Zen. Meditation and the East are almost synonymous now, but what has been left off the public radar is that the Christian heritage of meditative prayer (which in some eras has been categorized as Christian Mysticism, even if only for the belief that an individual can experience and commune with the living God) is a practice that is old enough to date back to the Desert Fathers of the 3rd and 4th century, not to mention the pages of both Old and New testaments. One need not borrow from the East to cultivate an inner tranquility that opens the heart to hear God, nor need one feel pagan to confess that they meditate.

To counteract these assumptions I offer a modern Christian Mystic and D.Th.P of Fuller Theological Institute, Richard Foster, who draws his writings from a long line of heroes of the faith such as St. Teresa of Avila, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Thomas À Kempis, Elijah, and David. Foster is refreshing in that his understanding of meditation is without reference to Eastern practices except to highlight the uniqueness of the Christian tradition, and is simple. He presents no new truths or freshly unveiled techniques—just the gospel reality put in a language that is eye-opening and practical. Though Foster may be less accessible to someone starting from an Eastern perspective, he provides invaluable depth and a firm foundation for those in the faith.

A good starting point is Foster’s Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey Into Meditative Prayer. This short, almost devotional sized book is written in a conversational tone that can be read in a breeze. The first six chapters provide an introduction to Meditative Prayer which Foster presents as “a well-nigh unbroken life of humble adoration before the presence of the living God” as we cultivate a heart that is an inner sanctuary for God. His opening defense for the biblical foundation for meditation is “the great reality of God speaking, teaching, and acting that lies at the center of the scriptural witness.” God speaks, our job is to ask, listen, and obey. This is the main contrast that Foster highlights with Eastern practices—for the Christian, inner silence is not its own goal but culminates in character transformation and obedience as that quietness opens our ears to hear God’s way. It is not an emptying of the mind, but a filling with Christ. Not a de-personalizing detachment from the world, but an attachment to the Divine Person (Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth). Each chapter offers nugget sized truths that demand chewing time. For those new to the idea of Meditative Prayer, this book provides an introduction to the topic and casts an alluring vision for fellowship with our Creator.

Entering much more in depth on the topic of prayer (an extension of meditation in Foster’s understanding) is his work Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home. Most books on prayer I find discouraging as they list the benefits I could have if only I were more self-disciplined, which I fear is a long time in coming. Instead, in this work Foster says he hopes to clarify ways that the average Christian already communes with God without labeling it prayer, so that we can recognize how God has already been at work in our lives. This was exactly my reaction. Many times I was able to say, “Yes! I’ve experienced that!”, and received encouragement that God has taught me to pray when I have been unawares. Each of the twenty-one chapters defines a different type of prayer. Intensely practical, I could only handle one chapter at a time, taking a week or so to process and work out what I learned. I learned not to hide my immaturity from God—honesty in prayer means praying “self-centered” rather than inflating my spirituality by avoiding this in favor of “other-centered prayer”. Secondly, I learned to pray not only with the mind but with the emotions, inviting God to break my heart to literally weep over sin. Another lesson was praying by little daily deaths, such as “giv[ing] smiling service to nagging co-workers, listen[ing] attentively to silly bores, express[ing] little kindnesses without making a fuss.” Finally, I rejoiced in the prayer of simply resting in a quiet state of attentiveness to God. These were just some of the portions that stuck out to me even in the first few chapters. This stands as a book that will offer something different under each reading, depending on where a person is at on their God-journey.

It is important to remember that peace and rest cannot be manipulated by our own success at creating the right internal state—they are only gifts of grace and are part of the whole package of sanctification that God is patiently working in each of His children. However, Christ Himself said that one thing is needed—sitting at His feet, gazing in His eyes, and leaving everything else aside as less important. Pursuing this gaze is the life-goal of those who call upon God as Beloved. Richard Foster has spurred me onward in this pursuit and I believe his gift will be an encouragement to anyone who opens his pages.

See more reviews at Book On a Crag

[Don Harton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now why didn’t I start reading Richard Foster sooner.

This short and gentle and loving guide to meditative prayer is a gift of the Spirit. Foster has so much practical wisdom to share with us.

The book explains the idea, walks thru the methods and the challenges, and answers questions, all in grace. There is therefore now no condemnation! And Foster provides an extended narrative of three of his own experiences with meditative prayer. What lovely examples of the ways of our Father.

This line from p129 maybe best summarizes why you should read the book: “How I wish I could adequately convey to you how much God desires our presence. We have been created for an intimate conversational relationship with God.” Foster is inviting us to come before the throne. Don’t you want to join Him?

[Colm Alton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Richard Foster. Very practical book on meditation and gives a vision for the benefits of meditation that makes you want to meditate. I found some of his pointers of what someone could experience during meditation to be useful and measurable. I find when some authors describe their experiences of God, that the descriptions are too vague and hard to translate over to day to day experience with God. I can’t attribute this fault to this book. Some of the testimonies in the book do drag on for a bit but overall I highly recommend.

[Neil Saltmarsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the Christian authors I have read, it is always a pleasure to read the books of Richard J. Foster. This book is no exception. You would not know from its style the research that goes into a book like this. It is a pleasure to read and also a source of authors who I have not been aware of. The book itself is 3 parts exposition and aspects of meditative/contemplative prayer and one part experience. For those who are interested in the listening part of prayer, I could not recommend this book highly enough.

[Brian C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep going back and forth about this book. It is full of honest and vulnerable life of prayer experiences (shockingly normal and mundane) laced with important and far reaching observations and principles about prayer. Yet the overall structure of the book just felt a bit uncomfortable for me. Maybe that is my fault... maybe structure is too important to me. But either way it is amazing what he packs in such a short book.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a re-read for me and I am thankful for the timing of this book. Foster has a way of making his books feel like conversations. This is a welcome conversation in my life.

The way of meditative prayer has been a struggle in the last few years. This book is a key catalyst to keep that work going in my life.

[John G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foster writes what is good for the soul

Richard Foster has become one of my favorite authors having been recommended to me by one of our associate pastors who is a Quaker like Richard Foster. His take on prayer and his gentle weaving of his own experience into the writing leaves one with a hunger to give oneself to prayer and to go deeper still!

[Charlotte]

"Precisely because the Lord is present with us we can relax and let go of everything, for in the divine Presence nothing really matters, nothing is of importance except attending to God. We allow inner distractions to melt away as snow before sun. We allow God to calm the storms that rage within. We allow God's great silence to still our noisy heart."

[Melissa Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book ten stars, I would. Foster's books are always encouraging in a gentle, inviting way, and this one is no exception. I took my time reading this, as every chapter increased my desire to draw quietly into God's presence.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foster made several good points on our need to slow down and listen. Our culture has taken on a hyper-speed which has integrated into our faith causing us to miss out on hearing from God. Though I do not agree with all of his approaches he makes meditative prayer tangible for all believers.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read Richard Foster for a while and this is a quick read included with an Audible membership. I was put off by the talk of Satan/evil spirits. But aside from that, this was an enjoyable listen!

[Manfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

9.0/10; a short, inspiring, practical, book on meditative prayer; the author's voice and stories are pastoral, encouraging, and caring. If you have less time, Chapter 9 and A Concluding Word sum up the entirety of the book.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good primer for contemplative prayer. Having done some contemplative prayer it wasn't new information for me. It was a good guide for my retreat of renewal.