Contemplative Prayer
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Contemplative Prayer
James Borst’s Contemplative Prayer, from its 1993 debut, approaches prayer not as a linguistic exercise but as a mode of being. The author’s strength lies in systematically dismantling the notion of prayer as mere supplication, instead framing it as a profound engagement with interior stillness. Borst’s treatment of the ‘prayer of the heart’ concept, distinguishing it from intellectual petition, is particularly illuminating. However, the text occasionally suffers from a certain academic dryness; while meticulously detailed, the exploration of practical application could benefit from more vivid, experiential examples. The limited discussion of specific meditative postures or breathing techniques, common in other contemplative traditions, feels like a missed opportunity for a more embodied approach. Nevertheless, Borst provides a solid framework for those willing to engage in disciplined, interior prayer.
📝 Description
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### What It Is Contemplative Prayer, first published in 1993 by James Borst, offers a structured exploration of prayer as a contemplative practice. It moves beyond rote recitation to examine prayer as a means of inner transformation and direct communion. The work details various approaches, emphasizing the development of a receptive inner state rather than the formulation of requests. It presents prayer not as a petitionary act, but as a deep listening and an attunement to a divine presence within.
### Who It Is For This volume is suitable for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual life through disciplined interiority. It caters to those interested in the psychological and spiritual dimensions of prayer, particularly those who find traditional devotional forms insufficient for their contemplative aims. Seekers exploring paths of inner quietude and direct spiritual experience will find its guidance applicable. It is for the earnest practitioner ready to engage with the disciplined practice of prayer.
### Historical Context Borst's work emerges from a tradition of contemplative spirituality that spans centuries, yet it speaks to the late 20th-century search for meaning. The 1993 publication falls within a period where interest in contemplative practices, often drawing from diverse spiritual traditions, saw a resurgence. While not explicitly aligned with any single movement, its focus on interiority echoes themes found in Christian mysticism, Zen Buddhism's meditation techniques, and the broader New Age exploration of consciousness. It represents a continuation of the lineage of mystics and contemplatives seeking direct experience of the divine.
### Key Concepts The book elaborates on concepts such as prayer as 'being' rather than 'doing', the importance of silence, and the cultivation of awareness. It discusses the role of the 'prayer of the heart' and the 'prayer of the mind' as distinct yet interconnected facets of contemplative practice. Borst also addresses the challenges encountered in prayer, such as distraction and dryness, offering strategies for perseverance. The underlying principle is the transformation of the self through sustained, receptive prayer.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand prayer as a state of receptivity, moving beyond petitionary models, as detailed in Borst's 1993 exploration of the 'prayer of the heart'. • Develop strategies for navigating spiritual dryness and distraction, drawing on the practical guidance offered for sustained contemplative practice. • Gain insight into the historical lineage of contemplative prayer, recognizing its place within broader spiritual traditions and its potential for personal transformation.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes Borst's approach to prayer from traditional petitionary prayer?
Borst frames prayer primarily as a contemplative practice of 'being' and receptive listening, rather than a transactional exchange of requests and favors, a concept he elaborates on in his 1993 work.
When was Contemplative Prayer first published, and who is the author?
The book was first published in 1993, authored by James Borst, who brings a disciplined perspective to the practice of contemplative prayer.
What are some common challenges in contemplative prayer discussed by Borst?
Borst addresses difficulties such as persistent distraction, periods of spiritual dryness, and the struggle to maintain focus, offering methods for perseverance.
Does the book offer specific techniques for achieving a contemplative state?
While emphasizing principles like silence and inner stillness, the book focuses more on the underlying philosophy and disposition of prayer rather than prescribing highly specific, codified techniques.
Is Contemplative Prayer suitable for beginners in spiritual practice?
Yes, it is suitable for those seeking to deepen their spiritual life through disciplined interiority, offering a structured approach to prayer beyond simple devotional exercises.
What is the 'prayer of the heart' as described by James Borst?
The 'prayer of the heart' in Borst's context refers to a deep, intuitive form of prayer rooted in one's inner being, distinct from purely intellectual or petitionary prayer.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Prayer as Receptive Being
This theme posits prayer not as an action performed, but as a state of existence cultivated. Borst, in his 1993 work, argues for prayer as a form of deep listening and passive reception of divine presence. It shifts the focus from the content of words or petitions to the quality of one's inner disposition – a quiet, open awareness. This approach encourages practitioners to become vessels for spiritual insight, rather than active solicitors, fostering a profound connection through stillness and surrender.
The Interior Landscape
The book emphasizes the importance of the inner world as the primary arena for prayer. Borst guides readers to explore their internal psychological and spiritual terrain, identifying obstacles like distraction and egoic interference. Cultivating awareness of this landscape is presented as crucial for developing a consistent contemplative practice. The journey inward is depicted as the path to encountering the divine, transforming the practitioner from within through sustained attention and self-awareness.
Discipline and Perseverance
Contemplative prayer, as presented by Borst, requires consistent effort and dedication. The work acknowledges the inherent difficulties, such as the mind's tendency to wander and periods of spiritual aridity. Borst offers insights into maintaining practice through these challenges, advocating for a steady, patient approach. This theme underscores that genuine spiritual growth through prayer is a long-term commitment, built upon a foundation of disciplined practice and unwavering perseverance.
Transformation Through Stillness
A central tenet is that prolonged engagement with contemplative prayer leads to profound personal transformation. By cultivating inner silence and receptivity, individuals can undergo a metamorphosis of consciousness and character. This transformation is not merely intellectual or emotional but an existential shift. The practice of stillness becomes a crucible for refining the self, aligning one's will with a higher spiritual reality, and fostering a more authentic mode of being.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Prayer is less about speaking and more about being.”
— This concise statement encapsulates Borst's core argument: that the essence of contemplative prayer lies not in vocalization or petition, but in a cultivated state of receptive presence and inner stillness.
“The silence of the heart speaks more profoundly than a thousand words.”
— This highlights the book's emphasis on interior experience. It suggests that the deepest spiritual communication occurs not through articulate thought or speech, but through the silent, intuitive awareness of the inner self.
“Distraction is not an enemy, but a signpost.”
— Borst reframes common obstacles in prayer. Instead of viewing distractions as failures, this interpretation suggests they can be opportunities to understand one's inner patterns and return to the practice with renewed awareness.
“The goal is not to find God, but to be found by God.”
— This paraphrase points to the passive, receptive nature of contemplative prayer championed in the book. It emphasizes surrender and openness to divine initiative rather than an active human pursuit.
“Cultivating stillness is the work of a lifetime.”
— This acknowledges the challenging yet rewarding nature of developing a deep contemplative practice. It underscores that the journey toward inner peace and spiritual depth is a gradual, ongoing process requiring patience and commitment.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not overtly aligning with a specific occult lineage like Hermeticism or Kabbalah, Contemplative Prayer draws from the esoteric undercurrents within Christian mysticism. It shares with these traditions an emphasis on direct, experiential knowledge of the divine, often achieved through disciplined inner work and altered states of consciousness. Its focus on the 'prayer of the heart' and inner transformation echoes Gnostic ideals of inner gnosis and the Theosophical pursuit of spiritual awakening, positioning it as a bridge between exoteric devotional practice and esoteric spiritual attainment.
Symbolism
The book implicitly utilizes symbols of interiority and stillness. The 'heart' serves as a central symbol, representing the innermost sanctuary of the self where divine connection is most readily found, distinct from the analytical mind. 'Silence' functions as a powerful symbol of receptivity and the void from which creation and divine presence emerge. The concept of 'light' or 'presence' within, though often abstractly discussed, symbolizes the immanent divine spark within the practitioner, a common motif in mystical traditions.
Modern Relevance
Borst's framework for contemplative prayer remains highly relevant for contemporary practitioners seeking depth beyond superficial spiritual engagement. Thinkers and groups exploring embodied spirituality, interfaith dialogue on contemplative practices, and psychological approaches to spiritual growth often find value in his work. Practices like Centering Prayer, which gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, share conceptual ground with Borst's emphasis on receptive prayer and inner stillness, demonstrating its enduring impact on modern contemplative movements.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
['• Advanced practitioners of Christian meditation seeking to refine their understanding and practice of interior prayer beyond devotional exercises.', '• Students of comparative religion interested in the contemplative dimensions of Western spiritual traditions and their parallels with Eastern practices.', '• Individuals experiencing spiritual dryness or seeking a more profound, less petitionary approach to prayer and inner connection.']
📜 Historical Context
James Borst's Contemplative Prayer, published in 1993, arrived during a period of renewed interest in spiritual practices, often bridging academic inquiry and personal seeking. While rooted in the long Christian contemplative tradition, its methodical approach resonated with a broader audience exploring meditation and mindfulness, influenced by Eastern traditions and figures like Thomas Merton. The late 20th century saw a resurgence of interest in contemplative prayer, partly as a reaction against perceived superficiality in some modern religious expressions. Borst's work competed with a growing body of literature on Zen, Vipassanā, and other contemplative disciplines, but it maintained a distinct focus on the Christian contemplative path, offering a structured, philosophical grounding. Its reception was generally positive within circles interested in deepening spiritual practice, though it did not generate significant controversy or widespread public debate.
📔 Journal Prompts
Reflect on the distinction between 'prayer as being' and 'prayer as doing' as presented by Borst.
Consider how the 'prayer of the heart' might differ from your current understanding of prayer.
Identify specific distractions that arise during moments of attempted stillness.
How can the concept of 'being found by God' alter your approach to spiritual seeking?
What does 'inner silence' signify in the context of your personal spiritual journey?
🗂️ Glossary
Contemplative Prayer
A form of prayer focused on cultivating a deep inner stillness and receptivity to divine presence, emphasizing 'being' over 'doing' or petition.
Prayer of the Heart
An intuitive, often non-verbal form of prayer rooted in the deepest part of one's being, distinct from intellectual or petitionary prayer.
Receptivity
The quality of being open and willing to receive, particularly in the context of prayer, allowing for divine influence rather than asserting one's own will.
Stillness
A state of inner quietude and mental calm, essential for contemplative prayer, enabling deeper awareness and connection with the divine.
Spiritual Dryness
A period characterized by a perceived lack of spiritual connection, consolation, or ease in prayer, often a challenge in the contemplative path.
Interiority
The focus on and exploration of one's inner psychological and spiritual life as the primary realm for spiritual practice and divine encounter.
Petitionary Prayer
Prayer that primarily involves asking for specific things, favors, or interventions from a divine entity.
