The Essence of Prayer: Foreword by Sister Wendy Beckett

Prayer is a word we take for granted, but what do we mean by prayer? Almost always when we talk about prayer we refer to something we DO. But Burrows argues that our Christian knowledge assures us that prayer is essentially what God DOES. And what God is doing for us is giving us the Divine Self in love. This is the vision of a contemplative nun who contradicts the heresy of so much modern spiritual writing. The growing fascination in the contemplative and monastic life is evidence of the profound appeal of this approach. For this there is a real hunger. Ultimately, we live for God and not for ourselves.

Table of Contents:
Growth in Prayer Prayer that is Jesus The Human response to God The Way to perfection Doctor of the Dark Night Sustained Passion Alone with Him Alone A Stark Encounter with the Human Condition Consecrated Life

About the Author :
Ruth Burrows is a Carmelite Nun from Quidenham in Norfolk, UK. She is the author of a number of bestselling books including Guidelines for Mystical Prayer and Essence of Prayer.

Review :
...a genuine attempt to introduce the theory and practice of prayer to the uninitiated, in language that is accessible to all men and women. The book has been written by one who clearly lives every word she writes...Ruth Burrows...writes with authority - and it shows! I especially appreciate how in this volume great care has been taken with the use of language, which is inclusive both as regards God and ourselves. ...a valuable contribution to the vast array of books offering advice and encouragement to Christians on the subject of prayer. This book is full of insights...Ruth Burrows...reflections are thought-provoking and described with encouragement and simplicity. Here is a major contribution from the pen of a well-known writer on spiritual themes...An impressive offering...different from her earlier works, and well worth a little study. It is useful as spiritual reading that will help the prayer and Christian lives of men and women living in the world. For that, it can be recommended. Essence of Prayer is a good introduction to the chief labour of Carmel. The person who has most clearly written about this area in our own times is Ruth Burrows in books such as Essence of Prayer. Ruth Burrows, the experienced Carmelite writer: hard-headed, warm-hearted, helpful and positive about God's universal invitation to prayer. This is a book that should change lives. Its central message is that everyone can pray....Essence of Prayer is a collection of short essays on prayer...this structure works better than a book hammered out to a continuous shape, because there is a chance to avoid misunderstanding by coming at a subject from a difference angle.