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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