Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer

Richard can talk to me anytime he likes. Usually we meet in the early hours before my day picks up steam. When I say we meet, I mean I hold his book in one hand and a pencil in the other as I underline sentences or star particular paragraphs that he clearly wrote just for me.

The only sorrow of picking up a book by Rohr is knowing that it will end and I'll be left on my own until I find/order/borrow another. Of some comfort: his ideas are so fresh that I know I will be struck once more with the warmth of the Love of which he speaks. The perspective and understanding shared will make me blink and catch my breath as he invites me, yet again, into contemplation and the Unified Field where everything belongs.

Confession: I still have a show more spiritual crush on this writer and must admit that I hope I may be transformed into a mystic as his words and teachings soak into my soul. show less

I have found a welcoming spiritual guide in Richard Rohr. I used his Lenten guide this year and found his message to be one of love, peace and acceptance. Everything Belongs" The Gift of Contemplative Prayer continued that message, focusing on prayer as a means to settle the mind and speak with the creator. His message has so many connections with the meditation teachers I follow, most of whom are Buddhist. Rohr is a Franciscan priest. I subscribed to the daily meditations from the Center for Action and Contemplation and he often includes passages from those outside the Catholic and Christian traditions.

I have yet to read a book by Richard Rohr that does not resonate and hit me with a synchronistic lightning bolt of wisdom. Every word within this book is gold. Highly recommend to any lapsed christian and philosopher that is looking to find deeper meaning in our modern world.

Richard Rohr hovered on the edge of my awareness for some time before I began to read him, so I am still catching up with many of his books. This one is a very insightful discussion of contemplative prayer, and why we need to practice it. Along the way, Fr. Rohr tosses off some gems, like this comment on how organized Christianity has prioritized Jesus as King, Priest and Prophet: "I've never seen a church of Jesus the Prophet." I found reading from this book for ten minutes or so was a good set up for contemplation.

Any early Richard Rohr reflection on spiritual growth and letting go. The only thing keeping it from five stars was that it was a bit harder for me to understand that FALLING UPWARD, the first of his books that I read. Maybe I should read them in chronological order!

Part of my journey that turned my spiritual life around

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