Religion and Spirituality Books

A wonderful collection of wisdom from a man who never ceases to amaze me.

Easy to read, profound thoughts that take just enough time to start the day. Wise reminders of how to live.

I have spent several years reading the Bible daily and various "thoughts of the day" pamphlets that you get through church. At least where I am in my spiritual development (at this time, looking inward for God vs. externally and learning about other philosophies such as Buddism to see what insights I can gain), I find this to be very rewarding and inspirational. I particularly like that Tolstoy used Christianity as the basis but also looked to other philosophies, which he includes.

I bought this book as an afterthought when I purchased Tolstoy's The Kingdom of God is Within Us. I'm so glad that I bought it because it's easy to pick up and read each day, and I'm getting a lot out of it. The Kingdom book is more intensive read in terms of actual reading so other books have caught my interest first. This book is one of them.

Tolstoy's words resonate among those who have suffered and sought truth within the human condition. He has a way of pulling hope from the cruelest times and peace in dashing the sorrow when we think we suffer alone.

I had the fortunate job of proof reading and minor editing of this book, for translater Peter Sekerin. As I spent the many hours doing so, I found that Tolstoy's thoughts and wisdom, as you continue to read him over and over, almost permeates your thoguhts and come to mind as you go through out your day. He was a very wise and learned man, but also a very practical one. This project in its entirety are the deep thoughts of a man willing to be changed by his God, who examined and reflected thoughtfully on the world around him. In Tolstoy's footsteps, I find Peter Sekerin on a similar journey. He was and is the right man to take on this book. May you be blessed as you read Tolstoy's writings as rediscovered and presented by Peter Sekirin.

THIS BOOK RECEIVED THE PEN/OAKLAND JOSEPHINE MILES AWARD FOR BEST BOOK OF POETRY.

ALSO, PACIFIC RIM REVIEW OF BOOKS, SUMMER 2007 WROTE:

"In this beautifully written book, Leza Lowitz seeks to share the inner landscape of her yoga journey and to inspire others to take this same journey from individuation to unity...She accomplishes this by capturing the spirit of yoga with strong images and simple free verse firmly grounded in the experience of practice in mind, body, and spirit...This is not the yoga of the hip and trendy, but the yoga of a true seeker--an ordinary woman who has discovered her Self through movement, and has found acceptance and grace through allowing her body and soul to unfold with yoga. Named after yoga postures and breath work, Lowitz's poems capture the spirit of yoga again and again. In "Sutra Hasta Majoriasana (Threading the Needle)," simple yet powerful metaphor reveals the essence of the pose in body, mind and consciousness.

...untangling a knot
that is my life
the knot becomes my teacher...

the needle that is sharp
at dawn
might be broken by dusk...

The thread that is straight today
doesn't know
it will be knotted tomorrow.

The knot
that is tangled today
could be woven into gold
ten years from now.

That is why
I thread the needle,
honoring the odds
steadying my arms
softening my breath
working the knot,
trusting.

Any reader will recognize the moment when challenges are viewed as an opportunity to learn and grow. A yoga practitioner will recall the pose and know that each moment on the yoga mat is a metaphor for life. Lowitz's words inspire us to embrace each posture as an opportunity to remain mindful of each moment, to learn and grow, and to cultivate faith."

--Christine Morita Clancy, PRR Issue Six, Summer 2007

Yoga Poems- Lines to Unfold By... is a glorious collection.
These poems bring a beautiful perspective to each asana.
At the end of a practice, I select a poem of an asana of focus for the day. I quietly share this with the class during relaxation, as the mind is open and the body calm. It is truely heartening to me to see the soulful, connection it often brings to the receiver.

This book is ideal to sell in your studio as well as a simple and delightful gift for anyone in your spiritual community...

laughter, love and light in Colorado

As someone who came to Yoga after 60, I have found Yoga Poems:Lines to Unfold By from author Leza Lowitz inspiring! Not only has she given a beautiful voice to the asanas but she has given me the desire to go even deeper into the heart of Yoga practice. I can visualize the poses in her poetic imagery. The poems are as serene as Yoga is meant to be. I loved the illustrations and only wish that each pose had its own rather than just those introducing the various sections.
Donna Mendelsohn

This is a delightful, delicious, exquisite book. I could nibble on it all day long! Leza's Yoga Poems are lovely to read while sitting in Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle Pose) or while eating an icecream sandwich after class. It is wonderful company if you are eating dinner alone. This books structure beautifully reflects the eight "limbs" or stages of yoga. Each inspired poem is named after an asana, (the Sanskrit term for a yoga posture), or a breathing practice. Like the other reviewers who practice yoga, I was amazed by how well Leza Lowitz captured the spirit of each asana. She has successfully united her passion for yoga with her love of poetry. The illustrations by yoga teacher and artist Anja Borgstrom are perfect. This is a magical book that also makes a most romantic present. If you are looking for a gift for the special Yogi or Yogini in your Life, or a perfect present for your teacher, I promise, this book will please them!

Suza Francina, author, "Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause" and "The New Yoga for People Over 50."

Yoga Poems: lines to unfold by
tell the truth about more
than the poses they limn;
they tell about we
who unfold in the poses,
our moods
our aspirations
our whims;
lines to unfold by
are lines to live by;
as we learn to unfold the lines
as we learn to unfold the poses
we unfold ourselves.

I read this book from cover to cover and had so many highlighted parts with sticky tabs everywhere. I really enjoyed Michael's easy-to-understand concepts about discovering and fulfilling my soul's purpose. I also randomly pick a page every morning to read to start my day on a good note. In addition to Michael's wonderful teachings, you also get lots of exercises to develop your spiritual growth.

This is a beautiful, deep, insightful book that anyone on a spiritual path should read. Michael Tamura has got it going on! I highly recommend it! Very powerful.

For those on a spiritual path, the information contained in this book is truly, truly invaluable; like nothing you've ever read before...guaranteed! Michael lovingly and compassionately explains how you can uncover your true purpose and "Building the Temple of the Soul". Each sentence tells an informative, descriptive story whereby tools are offered and can be practiced in everyday life!

The information contained in this book is truly a gift and a plethora of information that cannot be read just once. Each sentence bursts with profound new insights and is healing to the soul.

"Your purpose-plant is growing into a strong, well-rooted tree. A magical transformation is taking place in which nature turns a still-green sapling into a mature majestic tree. In the beginning of your incarnation, nature (God through your parents) provided you with a new body. Now, fulfilling your purpose means transmuting that mortal body of karma into an immortal body of wisdom".

This is just one paragraph offered out of 254 astonishing, life changing pages!

This is a book filled with some of the most highly evolved spiritual information and guidance I've ever found. I HIGHLY recommend it.

This book is like watching a movie that has you so engrossed you don't want it to end. If that sounds cliché, you won't think so after you've had it in your itchy palms, awake late at night, not able to move you're so in awe of what you are reading.

For what it's worth, James Van Praagh had a private session with the author years ago and was genuinely in awe. James wrote the forward for "You are the Answer". In it he talks about how this book reminded him of his own `inkling of purpose'.

This delicately touches what this book is about. The idea is that in quieting our minds with the help of meditative exercises we can create the space for our spiritual seeds to grow into our true divine selves. We pick up charges from many sources: acquaintances, family, thoughts, and perceptions. Because we are energy ourselves we become sponges for all of this making it impossible to decipher what is truly ours and what is .. everything else. From "Validating Spirit", "Resistance to Willingness", "Growing Neutrality", and into "Choosing Truth at Every Crossroads" you'll find chapters that are full of wisdom and intense teachings that allow you to find your voice and accept yourself with compassionate honesty so that you can begin to understand your purpose here in this lifetime.

Michael Tamura's words are revolutionarily loving and add up to some of the FULLEST sentences you've ever read - you cannot read this book once. In fact, the amount of time you go back to reread a paragraph or sentence will amount to your reading this book a dozen times hoping that the words would come alive and put their healing hands upon you. And that's before you read it all over again because you miss it so much.

I recommend this book to all of the people who ever wanted to feel the lightness of divinity in their everyday life. To remind themselves of love so eternal and so huge and so familiar that being without it is what's missing. This book was like going to the doctor for me. The Soul Doctor.

I grabbed "101 Inspirational Stories of the Power of Prayer" on my way out the front door, thinking that I may find a window of time to peruse the book sometime during the rest of the day. I was conducting a book-signing event with my book, "Consummate Connecticut: Day Trips with Panache," and the audience was, well, nil. I sat in solitude as the store's patrons passed me without the slightest acknowledgment. My mind felt like it was an overfilled blender of negative thoughts. Refraining from running out in tears, I recalled the book in my tote bag, took it out, and skimmed through the pages. The "Thanks, God!" chapter caught my attention. Reading the story, I identified immediately. My mother, who was Belorussian, also worked as a forced laborer in Germany. She is on in years, but she, too, continues to thank God for the most minute things, whether a fresh glass of water or "the first tomato of summer"!

Suddenly, instead of despair, I felt a true sense of gratitude. Ironically, the minute I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into some other stories, people started coming up to me! (The book signing ended on a high note.) Since that time, I enjoy taking "101 Inspirational Stories of the Power of Prayer" with me on my many travels, which can be quite vigorous since I am a professional travel writer! The book--a good travel companion in life too--is filled with inspiration and that priceless commodity that sometimes seems so lacking these days--hope. My favorite prayer, by the way, is "Thank you!"--and those two words I leave with Sister Patricia Proctor for her wonderful heartfelt collection of stories.

I have received many blessing from God through out my life but I am a sinner and my faith is often weak. When I find myself in the world and away from the spirit it is usually because I have not been praying and I have not been following my program of spiritual reading. I have found 1001 Inspirational stories of the Power of Prayer to be a great cure for my spiritual laziness. Not only are the stories themselves inspirational but the book is also punctuated with inspirational quotes from the giants of our faith. For me theses quotes are a source of strength. Sister Patricia has also included in the book several "10 minute meditations". If you've ever thought that you can't meditate - try these little spiritual timeouts! Each 10 minute meditation is followed by a beautiful prayer.
With the help of this book, I am able to get out of the world and into the Spirit!
Thank you Sister P.

Reading this book is proof that prayer is a wonderful part of our lives. You may not see the power of prayer instantaneously but after reading these wonderful short stories about real life sure makes you realize it works. Life lessons right in front of us that we don't always take advantage of. Prayer is free and easy ... just read this book and you will see how it works. What a wake up call. Thank you all for sharing your stories and teaching me how to believe in the Power of Prayer.

Feeling a little lost? Thinking this book isn't for you? I say, give it a try. These heartfelt stories of how prayers are answered certainly have given me a lift in some dark times. What I enjoy most about this book is that the stories are believable. Nothing huge and earthshaking, no parting of the Red Sea here. Just real people exhibiting real faith and getting real answers. There are stories where answers come almost immediately, and others where it takes a long time for their prayers to be answered. It is the faith of these folks that is so inspiring. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who are at a spiritual crossroads, thinking that maybe praying isn't worth the time. It is. And here's the proof.

God is real. Prayer is real, and gets real results. For anyone who's ever doubted whether prayer does any good, these simple but powerful stories from ordinary people, whose prayers were answered, both encourage and inspire. The circumstances are as unique as the people who record them. But every story in the collection affirms the message: God cares. God provides. God comforts. God protects. These are stories of hope - an antidote to the discouragement and despair that can be part of our everyday.

Sprinkled throughout are tiny quotes of inspiration - like Spiritual vitamins - some modern and some centuries old. I think it's impossible to read this book and not be lifted up to a higher reality where love, peace and joy reign. There's hope! It's true!

If you are looking for a way to do the Daily Office and want the convience of having only one book to use, then this one is the way to go. You have in one handy volume the complete text to the Book of Common Prayer and the NRSV Bible. I have looked for while for just such a book to do my daily devotionals. Not only will you have the two year lectionary, but all the collects and others prayers to enhance your prayer life.

If you are looking for a good prayer book, this is the one.

Anxiously awaiting publication of this fine Bible/BCP. I have nothing but rave reviews! Oxford Publishing is sure slow to re-publish it though. I've had it on order now for over a month. I certainly hope the leather binding is up to standard.

If you are Episcopalian or of some other church that may use the 1979 Prayer book, you will find this very useful for public worship. I have personally found it very nice for devotional use. If you want to use the Prayer Book's daily office lectionary to read a LOT of scripture every day, now you have them both in one place - along with all the prayers of the Prayer Book. I also would imagine that lots of ministers may find this useful when doing visits and going to hospitals and such. My only complaint is that it is a bit bulky - maybe they could release a 'slimmed down version' without the concordance or the Apocrypha. This is a very nice "all-in-one" volume. The leather edition looks pretty good and I was really surprised how well mine lays open even on pages near the beginning or the end.

The Book of Common Prayer (1979) is the latest, complete BCP used by the American branch of the Anglicans, the Episcopal church. There have been many books that have had the title 'Book of Common Prayer' since the first one appeared in 1549; it has been used continuously in one edition or another in the Anglican tradition since 1559; the 'main' edition remains the 1662 edition. The American church modified the Book of Common Prayer for its own use beginning shortly after the Revolutionary War -- this book is the successor of a long and worthy tradition.

A bishop in the Episcopal church once said to me, 'We don't have a theology that we have to believe -- what we have is the prayerbook.' Please forgive the absence of context for this phrase -- while he would say that this statement in isolation is an exaggeration, and I would agree, nonetheless his statement serves to highlight both the importance of and the strength of the Book of Common Prayer.

To be an Anglican (in the United States, read Episcopalian for the same in the context of this article), one does not have to subscribe to any particular systematic theological framework. One does not have to practice a particular brand of liturgical style. One does not have to have an approved politico-theological viewpoint. One can be a conservative, liberal or moderate; one can be high church, low church, or broad; one can be charismatic, evangelical, or mainline traditional -- one can be any number of things in a rich diversity of choices, and the Book of Common Prayer can still be the book upon which spirituality and worship is centred.

From his first edition, Cranmer distinguished in his terminology the words minister and priest, and the two should not be viewed as interchangeable. A priest is a minister, but a minister need not be a priest. This become part of the early development of the idea of all people being ministers to each other, which is also a concept that has varying acceptance and fulfillment in actual practice over the history of Anglicanism.

One of my favourite prayers derives from this book, part of the English prayer book from the very first one in 1549:

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication unto thee, and hast promised through thy well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his name, thou wilt be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be best for us, granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.

This prayer, like many things in the BCP, has moved to a new location from the first edition, but nonetheless the spirit of the BCP shows a circuitous but continuous development from this first English Prayer Book to the current varieties. Likewise, other denominations have gleaned insights, prayers and structures from this and other versions of the BCP.

The current Book of Common Prayer is not copyrighted material. The purpose for leaving the BCP out of copyright is to permit free and easy duplication and incorporation into worship materials; however, it also serves the purpose (deliberately intended) of permitting people, Anglicans or not, to use portions of the BCP as inspiration and material for their own worship. The Book of Common Prayer is an Anglican gift to the world.

In this edition, the BCP is coupled with the Holy Bible, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), which is one of the latest authoritative translations, a fairly standard and accessible one at use in the Episcopal church (as well as other churches) today; it bears the imprimatur of the Roman Catholic Church as well as the acceptance of the National Council of Churches, who holds the copyright. The text includes the Old Testament, New Testament and Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books.

This is a very thick book - with nearly a thousand pages in the BCP, another thousand in the Old Testament, almost three hundred pages in the New Testament, and a brief concordance to teh NRSV comprising another hundred pages, even with the thinnest of onion-skin paper, the book is large and somewhat ungainly. However, for those who like all-in-one versions, this is a worthwhile text. The pagination for the BCP and NRSV are consistent with other versions of these same documents, so reference is made easier.

This is an unbeatable combination. I have throughly enjoyed mine. A companion for life that will draw you closer to the creator and redeemer of that life.

The reviews of this book are great and I look forward to buying. The 4 or 5 other websites I found selling the book priced it at $39.95. Amazon's price of $59.95 seems strange.

Co-authored by Murray Spiegel and Rickey Stein, and featuring an informative foreword by Theodore Bikel, "300 Ways To Ask The Four Questions" provides a fascinating , colorfully illustrated, 368-page examination and presentation of the Sedar (including both the Jewish holiday meal and service) from the perspective of a variety of languages and cultures. This massive reference work is the result of some twenty-five years of research in the collection of translation of the Four Questions that form the basis of the Sedar celebration. Contributions were provided by Jews from Uganda to Uzbekistan, the languages range from Abkhaz to Zulu, and even includes sign language. Of special note are the contributions by experts of ancient languages -- including Egyptian from the time of the Exodus. Substantially enhanced with both a CD and a DVD with language and speaker highlights, "300 Ways To Ask The Four Questions" also features a variety of fun games, puzzles, and parodies., making it a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, family, synagogue, academic, and community library Judaic Studies reference collections.

You might ask that question and the answer would be lots. I've shown the book to several teenaged children and they found the book as fascinating as adults. Whether you're specifically interested in Judaica or foreign language and culture, the book has something for everyone. It's lots of fun to find out where languages are spoken and by how many people or just to see how many of the countries you've heard of or could find on a map. I enjoyed reading about the languages and the individuals that had done the translations. I was especially impressed by the beautiful layout and enjoyed seeing what each written language looks like. This book would make a great gift for anyone attending a Seder or interested in the world in general.

After cooking and cleaning all week, I stayed up late the night before the first seder to read this book. I just couldn't put it down! I brought it to our friends' house for seder, and we spent more than an hour passing the book around, taking turns reading the questions in every language we had even a passing acquaintance with, and many we didn't! We couldn't stop laughing, but it also sparked some interesting discussions of past seders we'd attended and Jewish customs we'd experienced in other countries. I plan to buy several copies for family and friends before next Pesach!

Infused with the great joy the authors take in their subject, 300 Ways to Ask the Four Questions celebrates the universal, liberating message of Passover in unique and wonderful ways. Through 300 languages, plus the puzzles and games, and especially their own absorbing quests into identifying, preserving and enjoying languages and the people who produced the translations, Spiegel and Stein bring us a far greater appreciation of the importance and significance of Passover and its meaning to all the world's peoples.

This is a great book to renew or discover an appreciation for the Blessed Sacrament.

This book gives a simple yet profound explanation of the Eucharist. Although thought provoking, it is easy and relaxed reading. It is truly a book you will read over and over again!

I bought this book based solely on Fr. Benedict Groeschel's praise, and he is absolutely right. This can truly be a life-changing read, and although it can be read very quickly it deserves to be pondered prayerfully and deliberately. It is not a theological treatise on the Eucharist, nor is it a history of Eucharistic devotion or doctrine, so it is not the best place to start for someone who does not already have at least a basic understanding of what the Eucharist is all about. I would not, for example, recommend it to a non-Catholic friend who wants to know why Catholics believe Christ is truly present in the Eucharist or someone who is looking for an introduction to the theology of the Eucharist. But, there are tremendous riches in these pages: Vinny Flynn has, in effect, summarized centuries of the best Eucharistic theology and presented it in a deeply personal and spiritually charged way. If you are looking for a book that will light within your heart a new fire of devotion to Christ in the Eucharist and inspire you to share that love with others, this is the place to start. I expect to return to this book many times in years to come, especially at those times when I feel myself growing spiritually lukewarm.

If you are a Director of Catholic faith there can be no greater gift that you can purchase for your teachers as the 7 Secrets of the Eucharist. This book makes you take a complete look at yourself and the way that you previously celebrated the Eucharist. You will never beable to celebrate the Eucharist like you did before you read about the 7 Secrets of the Eucharist. This book is a must for all catholic families.

I purchased this book for myself and after reading I purchased extra copies as a Christmas gift for all of my Catechist.

I love the book. But I'm sure the author knows more secrets. It's interesting that a book like this should eminate from a layman.-- Not surprising but interesting. Give us more, more more.
Jack

This book lives right next to my meditation cushion. Every morning I read a simple & profound tidbit which sets my heart beating to a rhythm of peace. Throughout these tumultuous past months when the country's political climate creates so much fear, anger and unrest, Scott Shaw's book has been helping me stabilize in a personal peace. He has spoken truth in simple words that go in easily and resonate deeply. I just purchased this book for the Peace & Justice Center Library in our town. We can not create peace out of anger. Thank you for this gem, Scott Shaw!

I've sold some books on on-line websites, but this is one that I would never consider parting with. I purchased this book when I was on "a mission of self-discovery" and I believe it was a valuable part of that journey. I bought it at regular price, and it was worth every penny. I don't have the book in front of me at the moment so it's hard for me to be specific, but I can tell you that this is a book I will go back to time and again.

After reading this wonderful book from cover to cover several times I now include it in my morning meditations by reading one page per day. The words are simple, kind, loving and to the point. Thank you Scott, for sharing your thoughts so that my life is enriched.

This was book was recently introduced to me by a co-worker, who has now become a very dear friend to me. In my never ending quest to feel peace with who I am and where I am in my life, this book is helping me achieve this. I read a page every morning and it truly helps me make the most of each day. Well worth purchasing. Enjoy each day and may there be Peace within always.

I received this book from a dear friend for Christmas. I have read it ever since, and read it just about every day. It is simple, to the point and profound. It gets me back on the spiritual beam and back to peace every time I read one of the 108 entries. This is how I want my life to be..........at peace! Thanks for writing it Scott!

If your are looking for a simple tool to help navigate you through life's windstorms, this is it. With this book, Sharon has for ever transformed my view of prayer and how it can work in my live.

Sharon's many powerful prayers and affirmations are a great resource to managing every day challanges. I refer to this book frequently and use the affirmations and prayers almost daily.

Adventures In Prayer has had an amazing effect on my life. Ms. Connors stories touched my heart and the practical exercises were simple and compelling enough to try. After implementing many of the tools in the book, transforming experiences began to happen. My faith has increased tremendously. New exciting experiences are occurring. I have bought this book for a friend and am planning to buy more. I highly recommend this book!

I loved this book because it opened a door to being fully present with God and to hearing God's voice in my life. The author explains some of her own spiritual journey and personal challenges in language that makes sense for today's fast-paced world. Imbedded in the text are several wonderful prayers which I have copied down and positioned near my desk at work and in other key locations. Having read the book to its end, I am sure that I will refer to Adventures in Prayer many times in the future.

Adventures in Prayer has been a helpful tool for me as I consciously change my prayer life from a inconsistent lazy one to a rewarding and powerful prayer life. Sharon Connors writes well and speaks to anyone and everyone interested in prayer. Because her writing style is so natural and she gives such practical advice, this book can reach people on all levels in thier prayer journey. I love her practices, affimations and prayers in each chapter. I am now on my third reading of this book. It is so rich with information that I continue to consult several chapters. Because of this book, I am beginning a prayer circle at my church!

An Awesome book....positive and uplifting....filled with true life stories that illustrate the power of prayer at work in every day situations. This book has been so important in my life....finding the connection to love,faith and peace of mind thru prayer...a must read for people of all denominations...
Each chapter has beautifully written prayers and affirmations to use and also encouraged me to be creative and find my own voice in prayer. So many kernals of wisdom woven thru this book...and Sharon Conners style of writing makes the book so enjoyable to read.....give yourself a Blessing and read this life transforming book today....

Speed prayer has its place ~ perhaps at work, on the road but certainly it isn't for those times of deep prayer and prayerful listening to God. This is a book for those who want a deeper richer spiritual connection to God.

Armchair Mystic is an easy read although very thought and prayer provoking. Rather than just rules to pray by Fr. Thib laces humor with sharing his inner joy of a deeper connection with God during prayer and his own blocks to contemplative prayer. He deftly uses his own experiences and needs to show the reader how to obtain and gain from contemplative prayer.

I'm not one for highlighting areas of books but this one is highlighted and highlighted again. It's a book to read cover to cover and then to go back and read and experience a section at a time. Always near my favorite chair or bedside,this book has yet to make it to the bookshelf. It's just plain too useful to put away. It's very much like having my own spiritual director on call 24/7.

The purpose of prayer is to enable us to be more like Christ. Too often, however, prayer becomes simply a laundry list we hope to turn into God's "to do" list! Contemplative prayer calls us to a place where we can be in God's presence simply for the sake of relationship. Thibodeaux gives a marvelous four-part explanation of how prayer evolves. It provides a useful framework to use in examining one's prayer life. He also gives a number of very practical "step-by-step" instructions in how to begin to pray contemplatively. I would recommend this book most highly to anyone wishing to move to a deeper level in their relationship to God.

This book is both well laid out, highly readable, well researched and authentically orthodox and historical in its presentation. Steers well clear of "new age" philosophy and TM reworks.

This book is like listening to a dear friend sharing with me his love for prayer and containing me with his passion for prayer.

Fr. Mark Thibodeaux is a spiritual director and retreat leader. When reading this book one gets the impression that he has taken a course on prayer and put it into book form. As such this book is exactly what the sub-title claims, a class on "Easing Into Contemplative Prayer." This book doesn't delve as deeply into the contemplative life as some, but it makes an excellent beginning text, perhaps the best "first word" on the subject I have read.

My suggestion . . . All spiritual directors and retreat leaders should glance through this material and consider teaching a course on the subject, using this as the text. This book is a great inspirational read, but it doesn't stand alone. The retreat leader will need to make some decisions as to the format, location, and duration of the retreat. No doubt the leader will also want to add some supplemental material.