Reflections on Finding God through Meditation - Centering Prayer and the Necessity of Prayer

What is "centering prayer"? Can it lead to contemplation? Do I need to pray to be saved? Dan and Melissa discuss these questions and more as they reflect on the book Finding God Through Meditation by St Peter of Alcántara.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• Is contemplation the same thing as centering prayer?
• Can contemplation be attained or prepared for through the centering prayer method?
• What does the Catholic Church say about centering prayer?
• What's wrong with the concept of "letting thoughts go"?
• Is prayer necessary for salvation?
• What does St Bonaventure say about prayer?
• How do I become holy?
• How does mental prayer help keep us on "the narrow way" to holiness?
• Prayer as a means of keeping our spiritual vision clear.
• Does a life of faith without prayer make any sense?

Resources:

• Finding God Through Meditation – St. Peter of Alcántara
• Finding God Through Meditation ebook - St. Peter of Alcántara
• Divine Intimacy Radio on spiritualdirection.com website
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• EWTN Religious Catalogue - online
• Can Centering Prayer be Redeemed? - Post on spiritualdirection.com by Dan Burke
• Infused Contemplation - Definition, post on spiritualdirection.com
• The Vatican on Christian Meditation and Centering Prayer - Post on spritualdirection.com
• Navigating the Interior Life (for the book in Spanish: Navegando La Vida Interior -- click here) - Dan Burke
• The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? - Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm
• Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate (The Narrow Way)- USCCB Bible link
• Lectio Divina, A Guide: What It Is & How It Helps Prayer Life - Post on spiritual direction.com
• Onething 2015 - Dan Burke speaking engagement, along with Audrey Assad, in Kansas City (Dec. 28-31)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - "May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." - USCCB Bible link
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729.