About this book:
Best-selling author Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP, demonstrates how to begin a life of contemplative prayer in this practical guide. You don’t have to be a mystic to learn this type of prayer, just a person who is seeking a deeper communion with God. Sr. Kathryn Hermes has helped thousands of people through difficult times—now let her guide you in this timeless form of meditative prayer.This newly revised and expanded edition of Beginning Contemplative Prayer offers more insight into this way of prayer.
What Are People Saying about this Title?
“…[Hermes’] tone throughout is warm and encouraging; her content is solidly rooted in the Catholic spiritual tradition. Readers will discover that beginning contemplative prayer is indeed possible. I warmly recommend this book.”
— Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
Author of Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Prayer with Scripture
“…a very helpful introduction to prayer—practical, down-to-earth and enlightening. … takes the reader on a tour of some of the great teachers of prayer in the Christian tradition and helps to make their teachings concrete and applicable to daily life in our world. She provides exercises in every chapter and a study guide that will help readers to help one another. I recommend the book highly.”
— William A. Barry, S.J.
Author of Finding God in All Things
“Sister Hermes deftly teaches the reader how to apply the old teachings of the mystics to the new reality of our lives.”
—Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.
Author of Armchair Mystic: Easing into Contemplative Prayer
“…offers suggestions about how to deal with distractions, confusion, fear, and other emotions that may surface. She also encourages the reader to learn from the experiences of the mystics how to live fully and consciously the present moment, for it is in the NOW that God is found. To all who are perhaps intimidated by this venture, she offers the reassurance that God is a gentle and loving God who desires only our good, and who calls us into deeper and deeper intimacy.”
— Helene Cote, p.m.
Spiritual and Retreat Director, Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford, Maine
“As a vocation director, I have found this book to be an invaluable tool to help young women in discernment cultivate and enrich their prayer. It lays before us a rich sampling of the Church’s history and wisdom regarding prayer patterns and forms…No matter where we are in our own life of prayer, Beginning Contemplative Prayer can help us to ‘pray always and never lose heart’ (Luke 18:1).”
— Sr. Helena Raphael Burns, FSP
Vocation Director, Chicago, Illinois