The contemplative way of prayer
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The contemplative way of prayer
Faricy and Rooney's 1993 volume, The Contemplative Way of Prayer, attempts to demystify the interior life, presenting contemplation not as an arcane art but as an accessible dimension of spiritual practice. Its strength lies in its clear articulation of prayer as a relational act, moving beyond mere petitionary formulas. The authors effectively delineate stages of prayer, making the progression from active meditation to passive reception comprehensible. However, the text occasionally feels overly scholastic, at times lacking the evocative language that might fully convey the lived experience of deep prayer. A particularly compelling section details the necessity of 'unknowing' as a precursor to infused prayer, a concept that, while intellectually sound, could benefit from more illustrative examples of its practical unfolding. Ultimately, the book serves as a valuable, if somewhat formal, guide for the earnest spiritual seeker.
📝 Description
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### What It Is
The Contemplative Way of Prayer, first published in 1993 by Robert L. Faricy and Lucy Rooney, offers a systematic exploration of prayer beyond rote recitation. It examines prayer as a conscious, active engagement with the divine, focusing on inner disposition and receptivity rather than external forms. The book guides readers toward a deeper, more personal communion.
### Who It's For
This work is intended for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual lives, particularly those who feel their current prayer practices have become mechanical or unsatisfying. It appeals to sincere seekers interested in the contemplative traditions of Christianity but open to broader metaphysical concepts. Those familiar with or curious about mystical theology will find fertile ground here.
### Historical Context
Emerging in the early 1990s, a period marked by renewed interest in contemplative spirituality across various traditions, The Contemplative Way of Prayer offered a structured approach. It arrived at a time when popular religious discourse often emphasized outward expression, yet a significant undercurrent sought interior depth. The book’s approach aligns with a broader resurgence of interest in Christian mysticism, distinct from the more charismatic movements gaining traction concurrently.
### Key Concepts
The book centers on the idea of prayer as a relationship, emphasizing the importance of interior silence and stillness as a means of encountering God. It discusses different states of prayer, moving from discursive meditation to affective prayer and ultimately to the prayer of simplicity or infused contemplation. The role of grace and the active participation of the individual in this process are consistently highlighted.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• You will learn to identify and cultivate the interior silence necessary for deep prayer, a skill central to the practice of infused contemplation as described in the book's discussion of the prayer of simplicity. • Gain a structured understanding of the progression through different prayer states, moving from discursive meditation to affective prayer, as Faricy and Rooney outline the development of the spiritual life. • Discover the active role of divine grace in contemplative prayer, distinguishing it from solely human effort, a concept explored in the book's treatment of how receptivity allows for divine action.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of prayer according to The Contemplative Way of Prayer?
The book posits that the primary goal of prayer is not simply petition but the cultivation of a deep, personal relationship and communion with the divine through interior stillness and receptivity.
Does this book discuss specific prayer techniques?
Yes, while emphasizing interior disposition, the book outlines various stages and approaches, from discursive meditation to the prayer of simplicity, offering guidance on how to engage with each.
Who are Robert L. Faricy and Lucy Rooney?
Robert L. Faricy was a theologian and spiritual director, and Lucy Rooney was his collaborator. Together, they authored works on prayer and the spiritual life, with this book being a significant contribution from their collaboration.
Is the contemplative prayer discussed in this book exclusive to one religion?
While rooted in Christian contemplative traditions, the principles of interior prayer and seeking divine union explored in the book hold broader metaphysical relevance for sincere seekers across traditions.
When was The Contemplative Way of Prayer first published?
The Contemplative Way of Prayer was first published in 1993, a period of growing interest in spiritual and contemplative practices.
What is 'infused contemplation' as discussed in the book?
Infused contemplation refers to a state of prayer where divine action is primary, characterized by a passive reception of God's presence, often occurring after the purification of the soul and the practice of simpler prayer forms.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Prayer as Relationship
This work reframes prayer not as a series of requests but as the active cultivation of a living relationship with the divine. It stresses that genuine prayer emerges from a disposition of the heart—one of openness, silence, and receptivity. The authors, drawing from established contemplative lineages, guide the reader to understand that consistent inner quietude is the fertile ground where a direct, personal encounter with God can flourish, moving beyond mere words to a state of being with the sacred.
Interior Silence and Stillness
A core tenet of The Contemplative Way of Prayer is the indispensable role of interior silence. The book meticulously explains how the constant chatter of the mind and the distractions of the external world create barriers to spiritual perception. Achieving stillness, therefore, is not an end in itself but a necessary discipline to quiet the ego and make space for divine presence to be perceived and experienced more directly. This silence is presented as a portal to deeper spiritual awareness.
Stages of Prayer
Faricy and Rooney delineate a progression of prayer experiences, moving from more active forms like discursive meditation, where the intellect is engaged, to affective prayer, which centers on the will and emotions. The ultimate aim presented is the prayer of simplicity or infused contemplation, a state characterized by a simple, loving gaze upon God, often received passively through grace. This structured approach helps practitioners understand their spiritual journey and the unfolding of divine action within them.
Grace and Human Cooperation
The book emphasizes a dynamic interplay between divine grace and human effort in the contemplative life. While the deepest levels of prayer are understood as gifts of grace, the individual's active cooperation through practices of detachment, silence, and intentional turning toward God is crucial. This balance ensures that prayer is not seen as a purely passive reception nor an entirely self-generated effort, but a responsive dialogue facilitated by divine initiative and human willingness.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue.”
— This highlights the book's central thesis: prayer is fundamentally relational, a two-way communion between the individual soul and the divine, rather than a one-sided outpouring of requests.
“Stillness is the gateway to divine encounter.”
— This emphasizes the practical necessity of cultivating inner quietude, presenting it as the essential condition or 'gateway' through which one can become receptive to God's presence.
“The highest prayer is a simple loving gaze.”
— This paraphrases the concept of the prayer of simplicity, describing a state of prayer characterized by direct, unmediated, and affectionate awareness of God.
“We must empty ourselves to be filled.”
— This interpretation points to the spiritual principle of detachment and self-renunciation, suggesting that letting go of egoic desires and distractions is prerequisite for receiving divine grace.
“Contemplation requires active receptivity.”
— This captures the paradox of contemplative prayer: it involves a conscious effort to become receptive, allowing for a divine action that is not solely initiated by the individual.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
The work is deeply rooted in the Christian mystical tradition, particularly drawing from the lineage of mystics like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila. It engages with concepts central to Western esotericism, such as the direct apprehension of the divine, the necessity of interior purification, and the transformative power of grace. While framed within orthodox Christian theology, its focus on inner states and direct experiential knowledge aligns with broader esoteric aims of achieving union with the Absolute.
Symbolism
While not overtly symbolic in the manner of Hermetic or Kabbalistic texts, the book employs key motifs that carry esoteric weight. 'Silence' functions as a primary symbol, representing the void or unmanifest potential from which divine revelation emerges, and the state of the soul stripped of egoic distraction. 'Light' symbolizes divine presence and illumination, often perceived in the deepest states of prayer. The concept of 'emptying' oneself also acts symbolically, signifying the dissolution of the limited self to make way for the divine.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary spiritual directors, contemplative practitioners, and scholars of mysticism frequently reference Faricy and Rooney's work. Its systematic approach to prayer stages remains relevant for modern seekers exploring Christian contemplative traditions. It also informs discussions on mindfulness and meditation within a spiritual context, bridging traditional contemplative disciplines with contemporary psychological and self-help frameworks seeking inner peace and connection.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking to move beyond rote prayer and cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with the divine, particularly those drawn to Christian contemplative traditions. • Students of comparative mysticism and theology interested in understanding the structured progression of prayer within the Western esoteric lineage of Christian contemplation. • Spiritual directors and guides looking for resources to help directees navigate the interior landscape of prayer and develop practices of silence and receptivity.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1993, The Contemplative Way of Prayer emerged during a period of significant spiritual exploration in Western societies, often characterized by a search for interiority amidst increasing secularization and the prevalence of more externally focused spiritual movements. This era saw a resurgence of interest in Christian mysticism and contemplative practices, partly as a reaction against perceived superficialities in some contemporary religious expressions. The work by Faricy and Rooney offered a grounded, systematic approach, aligning with a broader academic and popular rediscovery of figures like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila. While not explicitly engaging with New Age spirituality, its emphasis on inner experience resonated with a populace seeking deeper meaning. The book contributed to a growing body of literature that sought to articulate the nuances of the contemplative path within a traditionally Christian framework, distinct from the rapidly expanding charismatic and Pentecostal movements.
📔 Journal Prompts
The practice of cultivating interior silence.
Distinguishing between discursive meditation and the prayer of simplicity.
The role of active receptivity in deepening prayer.
Identifying moments of divine encounter through stillness.
Reflecting on the balance of grace and personal effort in prayer.
🗂️ Glossary
Discursive Meditation
An early stage of prayer involving the active use of the intellect to reflect on spiritual truths, scripture, or divine mysteries, often using imagination and reasoning.
Affective Prayer
A stage of prayer that moves beyond intellectual reflection to engage the will and emotions, characterized by acts of love, contrition, or thanksgiving directed toward God.
Prayer of Simplicity
A more advanced form of prayer, also known as infused contemplation, characterized by a simple, loving gaze or awareness of God, often without specific thoughts or images.
Infused Contemplation
A state of prayer where divine action is primary, involving a passive reception of God's presence and action, often considered a gift of grace beyond human striving.
Interior Silence
The quieting of the mind's internal chatter and distractions to create a receptive space for divine presence and deeper spiritual awareness.
Receptivity
The quality of being open and willing to receive divine action or presence, a key disposition in contemplative prayer that complements human effort.
Unknowing
A state of letting go of conceptual knowledge and mental images about God, often a precursor to deeper, direct experience of the divine.
