The Enneagram and Prayer: Discovering Our True Selves Before God

by Barbara Metz

We have learned to cherish the wisdom of the East in a particular way. The Enneagram is among the treasures we have encountered. The Enneagram study is linked in strong ways to the Moslem tradition and, in particular to the Sufis, although it is very possible that it pre-dates them. This simple, little work is our attempt to synthesize our experience, learnings, and reflection in a way that will be useful in a practical way. This is not a book to be read through and put down. It is a manual that can be used as a guide to ways of centering, to new forms of prayer. And it also offers scripture passages corresponding to each of the personality types. The book is intended for who seriously undertake the inner journey and seek a greater transparency before God. It is also intended for retreat and spiritual directors as an aid to their understanding of the world of their directees.

Genres: Spirituality, Prayer

164 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1986

Reviews

[Lydia Redwine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought some parts were a little too dragged out but overall, very informative and insightful. I’ll definitely come back to this one for reference and be that’s annoying friend who says “I read this about your enneagram number in this book I read…”

[Carol Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

On first perusal I wasn't sure it was that great, but I was wrong. It has great depth and helped me understand some things about why my approach in prayer can be different from another person's approach.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

the scriptures passages for each type alone is worth it, so helpful for prayer- also the exercise of dialogue with one's shadow was incredibly helpful

[Jara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the prayer Scriptures for each type. The chapter for my type contained many prophetic confirmations.

[Sam McBratney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was one of the best books I've yet read on the use of the Enneagram in spiritual development.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed this book from a friend who is highly trained in the enneagram and now I'm hooked on this method of knowing one's self. I want to read more, so I'll be able to use it to balance my personality weaknesses. I liked the way these authors balanced the flaws of the different personality types with the strengths - gave much hope for change within myself.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the idea of dialogue with my area of avoidance. I also really appreciated the 3rd appendix with sinfulness to pray through as well as giftedness to rejoice in and strengthen in prayer for each number

[Tom Marsan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a couple Enneagram workshops and a retreat I really enjoyed this little book. Nearly half it's length is made up of useful appendices with prayer practices. I also really found the 3 triad cities a wonderfully accessible way to present the 9 types!

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay read. I read this more to increase my knowledge and perspective on the enneagram. And I have kept the book so must have intended to revisit and re-read it one day.

[Jamie Roach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps my favorite part was the list of scriptures in the back according to type.....