A book recommended to me on prayer is Mystical Prayer Is for (Almost) Everyone. I found the recommendation in a conservative Episcopal publication, The Anglican Digest. It is by a Roman Catholic, Ernest J. Fiedler and was published by Paulist Press in 2009. The word mystical in the title scares some people. Don't let it scare you. This is the best basic book for introducing prayer that I have found in years. It covers many ways of praying, so you will find one that works just right for you.
In his writing, Msgr. Fiedler uses a word that I haven't encountered since I was in seminary: anagogy. To be honest, I'd forgotten all about it. But it is a wonderful word. It means moving beyond the historical, allegorical and textual exegesis of a scriptural passage to a deeper meaning, one that is more immediate, that creates an unexpected connection for you in that moment with the passage. Isn't that a wonderful word!
Anagogy, Msgr. Fiedler writes, "can be seen as an understanding of the personal root or intent of the specific scripture and its implication for me right now, but it is not restricted to this. It presents an insight; it is another way of opening to the presence of God/Christ, often unexpectedly and quite personally."
To find a word that expresses that is worth the price of the book by itself. But there is so much more the good father has to offer.
It has large print so it easy to read and the new book price is only $10!
With Pentecost quickly approaching, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this splendid, short book.
In his writing, Msgr. Fiedler uses a word that I haven't encountered since I was in seminary: anagogy. To be honest, I'd forgotten all about it. But it is a wonderful word. It means moving beyond the historical, allegorical and textual exegesis of a scriptural passage to a deeper meaning, one that is more immediate, that creates an unexpected connection for you in that moment with the passage. Isn't that a wonderful word!
Anagogy, Msgr. Fiedler writes, "can be seen as an understanding of the personal root or intent of the specific scripture and its implication for me right now, but it is not restricted to this. It presents an insight; it is another way of opening to the presence of God/Christ, often unexpectedly and quite personally."
To find a word that expresses that is worth the price of the book by itself. But there is so much more the good father has to offer.
It has large print so it easy to read and the new book price is only $10!
With Pentecost quickly approaching, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this splendid, short book.