Intimacy with God
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Intimacy with God
Thomas Keating’s "Intimacy with God" provides a clear, accessible entry into the practice of contemplative prayer, a discipline often shrouded in mystique. Keating’s strength lies in his ability to demystify the process, presenting Centering Prayer not as an exotic technique but as a natural outgrowth of Christian faith. He anchors the practice in the tradition, referencing figures like St. John of the Cross, lending it historical weight. However, the book occasionally feels repetitive, revisiting similar points about divine presence and letting go without significantly advancing the argument. A particular passage that resonates is Keating's explanation of the "prayer of consent," where he articulates the active, yet surrendered, nature of opening oneself to God. While the book offers a solid foundation, some readers might desire more detailed guidance on navigating the inevitable psychological and spiritual challenges that arise in deep contemplative practice. Nevertheless, "Intimacy with God" serves as a valuable primer for those seeking a direct experience of the divine.
📝 Description
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Thomas Keating's 1994 book, "Intimacy with God," reinterprets Christian contemplative prayer for modern seekers.
Thomas Keating's "Intimacy with God" was first published in 1994. It does not function as an academic theological study. Instead, it serves as a practical manual for the contemplative life, drawing heavily on historical Christian prayer traditions. Keating presents prayer not as a list of petitions, but as a way to open oneself to the divine presence already within. The book encourages a move from intellectual assent to direct spiritual experience, fostering a deeper connection with God.
This work is written for individuals aiming to deepen their spiritual practice, particularly through contemplative prayer. Christians, especially those in Catholic and mainline denominations, will find methods for quieting the mind and cultivating a sense of union with the divine. Its relevance extends to anyone interested in meditation and inner peace, regardless of religious background, provided they approach contemplative practices with an open mind.
Emerging in the 1990s, a time of renewed interest in spirituality, "Intimacy with God" reflects Keating's role in the Centering Prayer movement. He synthesizes centuries of Christian mystical thought, referencing figures like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila. The book's focus on interior prayer mirrors a broader cultural shift toward inward spiritual exploration, even in secular contexts.
Within Christian mysticism, "Intimacy with God" connects to a long lineage of contemplative practice. Keating's work recontextualizes the teachings of figures like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila, emphasizing the direct experience of God's presence over intellectual assent. It aligns with the development of Centering Prayer, a method designed to facilitate this interior prayer. The book reflects a historical trend where spiritual seekers increasingly turned inward for divine connection, a movement active throughout Christian history.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• You will learn a method for cultivating divine presence through the specific practice of Centering Prayer, as outlined by Thomas Keating, enabling a more direct, non-verbal communion with God. • You will gain an understanding of the "prayer of consent," a key concept introduced by Keating, which teaches a way to actively surrender to God’s presence, fostering inner stillness. • You will discover how to move beyond conceptual or petitionary prayer by engaging with Keating's insights on the "gift of presence," a core tenet of his contemplative approach first articulated in works from the 1990s.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core practice recommended in Thomas Keating's 'Intimacy with God'?
The book's core practice is Centering Prayer, a contemplative method for facilitating the growth of interior prayer. It involves a simple prayer of consent to God's presence and action within, allowing for a direct experience of divine love.
When was 'Intimacy with God' by Thomas Keating first published?
'Intimacy with God' was first published in 1994, reflecting a period of renewed interest in contemplative spirituality and offering Keating's insights on interior prayer for a contemporary audience.
Does 'Intimacy with God' require adherence to specific Christian doctrines?
While rooted in the Christian tradition and referencing figures like St. John of the Cross, the book's emphasis on contemplative prayer and inner stillness can resonate with individuals of various spiritual backgrounds seeking a deeper connection with the divine.
How does Keating's approach differ from traditional prayer methods?
Keating distinguishes contemplative prayer from discursive or petitionary prayer. 'Intimacy with God' focuses on receptivity and surrender to God's presence, rather than vocalization or specific requests, aiming for a non-verbal communion.
Who is Thomas Keating and what is his background?
Thomas Keating (1928-2018) was a Trappist monk and a key architect of the Centering Prayer movement. His work, including 'Intimacy with God,' draws from centuries of Christian mystical tradition to offer practical guidance for contemporary spiritual seekers.
What is the 'prayer of consent' mentioned in the book?
The 'prayer of consent' is the active, yet surrendered, choice to open oneself to God's presence. It is a fundamental element of Centering Prayer, as detailed in Keating's 1994 work, allowing divine action to unfold within.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Centering Prayer
The book's central theme is the practice of Centering Prayer, a method developed by Thomas Keating to foster a deep, interior prayer life. Keating presents it not as a technique to achieve a spiritual state, but as a way of consenting to God's presence and action within. He distinguishes it from other forms of prayer, emphasizing its passive, receptive nature. The practice involves a simple "prayer of consent" and a "sacred word" to return to when distractions arise, aiming to quiet the mind and open the heart to divine love and awareness.
The Divine Indwelling
A foundational concept in 'Intimacy with God' is the belief in the indwelling presence of God within each individual. Keating argues that God is always present, and the purpose of contemplative prayer is to become more aware of this ever-present reality. This theme underscores the idea that spiritual growth is not about achieving something distant, but about uncovering and deepening an existing relationship. This inherent divine presence is the source of spiritual intimacy and transformation.
Letting Go and Surrender
Keating frequently emphasizes the necessity of "letting go" and "surrender" in the contemplative journey. This involves releasing attachment to thoughts, emotions, desires, and even spiritual experiences themselves. The book guides the reader to surrender the ego's control and the mind's habitual activity, creating space for God's grace to work. This theme is crucial for moving beyond self-centered consciousness towards a more unified experience of reality, as explored in his 1994 publication.
The Prayer of Consent
The 'prayer of consent' is presented as the active yet non-striving engagement at the heart of Centering Prayer. It is a simple, silent affirmation of openness to God's presence and will. This concept, elaborated in Keating's work, moves beyond intellectual assent to a disposition of the heart. It is a gentle, consistent choice to let go of distractions and remain present to the divine, facilitating a deepening of one's relationship with God through consistent practice.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The fruit of the prayer of consent is the prayer of presence.”
— This statement captures the progression Keating describes in contemplative practice. The initial 'prayer of consent,' an active opening to God, naturally leads to a state of 'prayer of presence,' where one experiences a more abiding awareness of the divine.
“The Centering Prayer is the prayer of letting go.”
— This highlights the essential element of detachment in Centering Prayer. Keating suggests that releasing our grip on thoughts, concepts, and even our own efforts is key to allowing God's grace to operate more freely within us.
“Interior prayer is a dialogue of love.”
— Keating frames the deepest form of prayer not as a one-sided plea but as an intimate exchange. This 'dialogue of love' suggests a reciprocal relationship where one's heart is open to receive divine love and respond in kind.
“The gift of presence is the goal of the spiritual journey.”
— This points to the ultimate aim of contemplative practice as described by Keating. It is not about acquiring knowledge or achieving specific states, but about cultivating a continuous, felt sense of God's ever-present love and companionship.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
God is present to us, not because we are praying, but because we are human.
This quote challenges the notion that divine presence is earned or contingent on our devotional efforts. Keating emphasizes that God's presence is a given, inherent to our existence, and prayer is about recognizing and deepening our awareness of this fundamental reality.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Keating's work is firmly rooted in the Christian mystical tradition, specifically drawing from the contemplative path exemplified by figures like the Desert Fathers, Meister Eckhart, and the 16th-century Spanish mystics St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila. While not 'esoteric' in the sense of secret societies or arcane rituals, it represents the 'inner path' of Christianity, focusing on direct experience of the divine rather than solely external dogma or practice. It aligns with Gnostic ideals of direct knowing, but within a structured, orthodox framework, emphasizing divine indwelling.
Symbolism
While Keating's writing is often direct and experiential, the underlying symbolism relates to stillness, silence, and interiority. The 'sacred word' used in Centering Prayer can be seen as a symbol of the Logos or divine utterance, a focal point for returning to God's presence. The concept of the 'divine indwelling' itself symbolizes the inner sanctuary, the temple within the heart where God resides. The practice of 'letting go' symbolizes the shedding of the ego's attachments, akin to alchemical purification.
Modern Relevance
Keating's approach to contemplative prayer, particularly Centering Prayer, continues to be highly relevant. Contemporary thinkers and practitioners in spiritual direction, mindfulness, and interfaith dialogue often reference his work. Schools of contemplative prayer, both within and outside Christian denominations, draw directly from his teachings. His emphasis on the 'gift of presence' and the "prayer of consent" speaks to modern psychological concepts of presence and mindful awareness, bridging traditional spirituality with contemporary needs for inner peace and connection.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking a deeper, personal relationship with God within the Christian tradition who find traditional prayer methods insufficient. • Practitioners of meditation or mindfulness from any background interested in exploring a contemplative Christian approach to inner stillness and divine awareness. • Students of Christian mysticism and the history of prayer who wish to understand the practical application of concepts from figures like St. John of the Cross.
📜 Historical Context
Thomas Keating's "Intimacy with God," published in 1994, emerged during a period of significant resurgence in contemplative practices within Western Christianity and beyond. Keating himself was a central figure in the development of the Centering Prayer movement, which sought to reintroduce ancient Christian practices of silent prayer to contemporary laypeople. This movement gained traction in the latter half of the 20th century, partly as a response to the perceived shallowness of some modern religious expressions and a growing societal interest in meditation and inner experience, influenced by Eastern traditions. Keating's work from this era, including this book, often drew heavily on the mystical writings of Spanish Carmelites like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila, reinterpreting their insights for a modern audience. While not directly engaging with secular psychology in this text, the broader cultural milieu saw figures like Jon Kabat-Zinn popularizing mindfulness, indicating a widespread search for inner peace. Keating's contribution was to ground these practices firmly within the Christian contemplative tradition, offering a distinct alternative to purely psychological or Eastern-inspired meditation techniques.
📔 Journal Prompts
Reflect on the "prayer of consent" as described by Keating. How does this differ from your usual approach to prayer?
Consider the "divine indwelling." What personal experiences or beliefs support or challenge this concept for you?
Explore the practice of "letting go." What are the primary attachments you find yourself holding onto in daily life?
How might the "gift of presence" alter your perception of ordinary moments and interactions?
What does "intimacy with God" mean to you, and how does Keating's Centering Prayer method align with or diverge from your understanding?
🗂️ Glossary
Centering Prayer
A formal prayer practice developed by Thomas Keating and others, designed to facilitate the growth of interior prayer by focusing on consenting to God's presence and action within. It involves a simple prayer of consent and a sacred word.
Prayer of Consent
A fundamental element of Centering Prayer where the individual actively, yet gently, chooses to open themselves to God's presence and love, surrendering to divine action rather than striving.
Sacred Word
A simple, one-syllable word (e.g., 'God,' 'Jesus,' 'Amen') used as a gentle anchor in Centering Prayer to return to the intention of prayer when the mind wanders.
Divine Indwelling
The theological concept that God resides within each person. Keating emphasizes this as the basis for spiritual intimacy, suggesting prayer is about becoming aware of this inherent presence.
Letting Go
The process of releasing attachment to thoughts, emotions, desires, and ego-driven activities. In contemplative prayer, it is essential for quieting the mind and opening to divine grace.
Interior Prayer
Prayer that focuses on inner experience and direct relationship with God, as opposed to external rituals or discursive reasoning. It is characterized by receptivity and stillness.
Gift of Presence
The awareness of God's constant companionship and action within. Keating suggests this is the goal of contemplative practice – to recognize and abide in this ever-present reality.
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