Dan’s Comments (group member since Jul 25, 2010)

Dan’s comments from the Truth Seekers group.

Yes! Waking up our prayer lives is a way to touch God, and without it we are just people with a creed. God is always waiting for us, and loves to be with us. Of course, that's easier said than done, but it is a challenge worth meeting.
I did read your review of "In Constant Prayer," and it sounds like some of the books I've read. The daily office is exactly the same as the liturgy of the hours.
Most of the daily office is direct readings from the psalms and the gospels - so as you say, it is praying the Word.

Certainly pray either way. However, many people find they run out of things to say, and the liturgy gives them a way to be close to God without trying to think something up all the time. Most of it is simply praise.
There is a time and place for both spontaneous and written kinds of prayer. I do not abandon a direct response to God; I just add the liturgy of the hours on top of that.
Of course, that won't work for everybody, but it is nice for some of us.

Cherie wrote: "We are suppose to live in the here and now...but we are to have our focus on the eternal reward that befalls us. I have a question for Lee....What disturbed you about spending eternity in hell. T..."

Yes, loving all others is the heart of what Jesus taught! That sometimes confuses people, because they think in terms of emotional love. They worry about how that is possible. We do not have to initially feel an emotion of love - the point is to act lovingly.

Lee wrote: "Want another guy? Mark already introduced me in another thread as a liberal Christian who "doesn't get hung up on religious or supernatural beliefs." I read anything religious (usually Christian or..."

You may see something similar that I wrote in response to one of our hopeful writers, but I thought we might have some things in common.
I earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in religion, as well as a degree in elementary education, and I am very interested in contemplative prayer. I have read all of Thomas Merton, and Martin Buber, and almost all of Thomas Keating and William Shannon.
Have you ever read "Silence on Fire" by Shannon? That reflects very closely my poor understanding of God and discipleship.
I have also spent a lifetime studying all world religons: Taoism, Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, etc ..., but I do have an affinity for deep Christianity and Judaism.

I am currently a newspaper writer. I was a stay-at-home dad before that, until my kids were proficient with reading, writing and arithmetic.
I am now looking for a job where I can minister to the needs of others more individually, one-one-one. Although I can do a lot of good with the newspaper, I am draw by Jesus' compassion for those who are hurting or in need.

Like some on this discussion, I am a converted Catholic. I started as a Catholic not long after the Second Vatican Council, and had great hopes. Unfortunately, I cannot live with the way some are currently trying to rewrite history and the meaning of the documents of the council to support a conservative agenda, and I have a serious problem with Cardinal Ratzinger.
Although I went to mass every day until he was elected, I finally had to leave.
That does not mean I reject the beauty of the tradition. I still pray the liturgy of the hours (prayers at times through the day) and take time for contemplative prayer.
God is good regardless of the failings of his servants, and that's a good thing for all of us.

Cherie wrote: "Hey all! I am a 36 year old momma of four teenagers! I have twin girl who are 18, a 16 yr old daughter, and 14 year old son. I love to read and have started pursuing my dream of becoming a write..."

Good luck! I am currently a newspaper writer, and I did not start that until I was 40, so it can happen. I was a stay-at-home dad before that, until my kids were proficient with reading, writing and arithmetic. I earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in religion, as well as a degree in elementary education.
I am now looking for a job where I can minister to the needs of others more individually, one-one-one. Although I can do a lot of good with the newspaper, I am draw by Jesus' compassion for those who are hurting or in need.

Like some on this discussion, I am a converted Catholic. I started as a Catholic not long after the Second Vatican Council, and had great hopes. Unfortunately, I cannot live with the way some are currently trying to rewrite history and the meaning of the documents of the council to support a conservative agenda, and I have a serious problem with Cardinal Ratzinger.
Although I went to mass every day until he was elected, I finally had to leave.
That does not mean I reject the beauty of the tradition. I still pray the liturgy of the hours (prayers at times through the day) and take time for contemplative prayer.
God is good regardless of the failings of his servants, and that's a good thing for all of us.
Have any of you studied contemplative prayer, with its emphasis on growing closer to God?

Does anyone know if John O'Donohue left any notes on his pending book on Meister Eckhart before he died? I'd like to know if there is a book by him on that subject we can expect or hope for.