Monday, May 19, 2014

The Beginnings of a Life of Prayer, by Archimandrite Irenei

by Archimandrite Irenei; 127 pp. paper $13.00

Even though a life of prayer is “the highest, and also the truest, form of human existence,” many obstacles make it difficult to attain. Archimandrite Irenei offers help in this small volume, taking seriously the fact that most of us, straining toward prayer while surrounded by a world of distractions, are mere beginners. The book begins with a reflection on the lowly position of the person who seeks to pray. We are vulnerable to both spiritual opposition and harmful passions, and we must focus attention on the Kingdom of God and learn the discipline of obedience. Ultimately, prayer is directed toward transformation of our life into a life rooted in Christ’s. The second part of the book offers theological reflection on what it means to take up a life of prayer, encouraging us that, while difficult, prayer is possible—it is, after all, “the heart’s true home.” These reflections culminate in two “centuries,” or sets of one hundred digestible reflections for readers to consider. They discuss prayer as Sabbath rest, defeating obstacles to prayer, practical steps to quieting and disciplining the mind, the use of the Jesus Prayer, and a centering focus on Christ’s death and Resurrection. 


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