Christian Contemplation Resources

Selected Resources on Christian Contemplation and Prayer

1. Thomas Keating, Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer (New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 2019).

2. Carmen Acevedo Butcher, trans., The Cloud of Unknowing (Boulder, CO: Shambhala Publications, 2018).
– A modern, poetic translation of the anonymous 14th-century English mystical classic.

3. Vincent Pizzuto, Contemplating Christ: The Gospels and the Interior Life (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2018).
– A theological and mystical exploration of how Christ is formed within.

4. Thomas Merton, A Course in Christian Mysticism, ed. Jon M. Sweeney (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2017).
– Compiled teachings from Merton’s monastic classes on mystical theology.

5. Thomas Merton, The Pocket Thomas Merton, ed. Robert Inchausti (Boulder, CO: Shambhala Publications, 2017).
– A portable collection of key Merton reflections on silence, prayer, and the inner life.

6. Cynthia Bourgeault, The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice (Boulder, CO: Shambhala Publications, 2016).
– Insightful guidance on Centering Prayer within a nondual Christian framework.

7. Thomas Keating, The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living, ed. S. Stephanie Iachetta (New York: Continuum International Publishing Group, 2009).
– A collection of short daily reflections drawn from Keating’s teachings.

8. Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Praying with Scripture (New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 2008).
– Practical Ignatian prayer methods based on the Spiritual Exercises.

9. Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation (New York: Oxford University Press, 2006).
– A profound and accessible modern classic on contemplative silence.

10. Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel (New York; London; New Delhi; Sydney: Bloomsbury, 2006).
– One of Keating’s most foundational texts on Centering Prayer and spiritual transformation.

11. Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening (Lanham, MD: Cowley Publications, 2004).
– A beginner-friendly introduction to the roots and fruits of Centering Prayer.

12. Thomas Keating, Active Meditations for Contemplative Prayer (New York; London; New Delhi; Sydney: Bloomsbury, 1997).
– Short guided meditations designed to deepen one’s contemplative life.

13. St. Louis Marie de Montfort, God Alone: The Collected Writings of St. Louis Marie de Montfort (Bay Shore, NY: Montfort Publications, 2008).
– The spiritual writings of the saint best known for his devotion to Mary and Christ-centered mysticism.

14. Jenny Lynn Estes, The Anglican Rosary: Going Deeper with God – A Guide to Prayer with Protestant Prayer Beads (Bakersfield, CA: Theophany Press, 2019).
– An informative and devotional guide to praying with Anglican prayer beads.

15. Tami Allen, Contemplative Prayers: For Use with Anglican Prayer Beads (Nevada: Independently published, 2019).
– A practical collection of prayer patterns and meditations using the Anglican Rosary.

16. James Martin, SJ, Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2021).
– A pastoral and insightful introduction to different types of prayer, including contemplative practices.