The first time I read this book, I couldn't stand it. It felt way to intellectual and opaque. I had no idea what Bourgeault was even talking about. Luckily this was on my class syllabus this fall and I had no choice but to tackle it again. This time it found fertile ground. The practice of Centering Prayer is just what I needed and the fruits have been unfolding for some weeks now. Proof that sometimes your experience of a book is its appearance in the geography of your life.

Grateful to have come upon this book again just when my soul was looking for it.

4.5 - this book opens a door

This book was very helpful to read after finishing Thomas Keating's "Open Mind, Open Heart". It expands on the basic method of centering prayer, which is covered in Keating's book, and also delves into the theology and psychology of this type of meditation. I would highly recommend this to anyone starting a centering prayer practice, especially if you are beginning to experience the psychological effects it engenders. The information on that is very helpful in navigating those waters and definitely helped keep me from "going over the waterfall".

I loved this book! Rarely do I find a book which has such a profound impact on me and my approach on daily life. I have added Centering Prayer to my daily routine, and it has improved my stress management beyond my expectations. I find myself more balanced and with more energy after approximately 90 days of practice. A wonderful practice to add to your morning routine. Cynthia's approach is very straightforward and her encouragement is apparent on every page. I like the way she divided the book into four parts: Method, Tradition (History), Psychology, and Inner Awakening. The Psychology section was extremely interesting and would have loved for her to have expanded this section since I saw some real benefit in this area for me. Make time for Centering Prayer.

For those who practice Centering Prayer, this is a "must-read." The Rev. Dr. Bourgeault clearly and thoroughly explains the practice. I read it a chapter a day as part of my devotional time.

I’ve been doing centering prayer off and on for years, but a lot more regularly in the last 3 months. I learned so much about this practice that I didn’t know before, and so much more!! It certainly has helped me understand the beauty of centering prayer more. Cynthia Bourgeault is amazing.

Ten stars! This book changed my life.

Got about 3 hours into it but then I got lost in the woods. I wanted to love it but the book was less about God and more about the religious act of centering prayer. I wanted something a bit more spiritual BUT, as far as the subject matter, it was very well covered and very thorough. If you want to learn about centering prayer, this is definitely a good option.

Why did it take me so long to find this book? Bourgeault's primer of Centering Prayer is thorough, readable and quite practical. I find it has changed my prayer, and I have been practicing Centering Prayer for many years--her insights and clear expositions cleared up questions I had been pondering for a long time, and revealed new aspects of my practice to me.

This is one that deserves a re-read. Not to be read and consumed quickly but thoughtful reading is the desired method. Plain and simple but also quite deep in the areas that it explores.

Excellent book; best I have read on meditation in a very long time. Connects different meditation philosophies, and psychologies. Very practical.