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Customer Reviews for Formatio Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer
Formatio Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer
In 1 Kings Chapter 19 we read how the prophet Elijah went to meet with God on Mount Horeb. There was an earthquake, fire and wind, but God chose to speak to Elijah in a whisper. So it is today that God often speaks when we slow ourselves down to listen to His voice. According to Richard Foster, listening is at the heart of meditative prayer and in Sanctuary of the Soul he explores this faith tradition, showing its biblical roots and sharing insights from Christian writers, of both recent and classical tradition. Foster's introduction will give you step-by-step help to begin this enriching prayer practice for yourself.
Average Customer Rating:
(3 Reviews) 3
Rating Snapshot (3 reviews)
5 stars
3
4 stars
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3 stars
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3 out of 3100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer
Review 1 for Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer
Overall Rating:
A must read
Date:April 5, 2012
Sheri Cook
Location:Chicagoland
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Not only have I already given copies to friends, I have recommended it as a "staff pick" for our church's book sale.
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Review 2 for Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer
Overall Rating:
very good primer on meditation
Date:November 4, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Foster heard Jesus speak to him, in his inner being, when he was in college. Part of the message was, “With me is ultimate and complete satisfaction.” (12) In this book he explores what it means to hear the divine whisper, what we should expect, what should be the conditions of our heart and mind, and how we can develop an inward, prayer-filled listening.
“Oh, let me tell you how much God desires our presence. How much God longs to hear from us. How much God yearns to communicate with us.” (15) Foster reviews the importance of meditation. Unlike other religions, Christian meditation involves hearing and obeying.
“In meditative prayer we are creating the emotional and spiritual space that allows God to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart.” (26) That requires transformation of the human heart – by God.
At first our prayers will be halting and uneasy. Foster suggests we are always asking (to be changed), always listening (for the still, small Voice), always obeying (the Spirit and Scripture). We will be drawn into a “habitual orientation of our heart toward God.” (32) “This is the formation of the heart before God.” (32)
Meditative prayer involves both the mind and the heart. He writes about the role of lectio divina and experiencing worship in community. He shares his own experience of Quaker worship.
After laying the foundation, Foster gives insight into the steps of meditation. There is the process of recollection (becoming more fully present, surrendering), beholding the Lord (the inward steady gaze of the heart upon God), and the prayer of listening (spirit alert, discerning the voice of God – quality, spirit, content).
“Distraction is the primary spiritual problem in our day.” (102) Learning single-hearted concentration takes time. Keeping a “to-do” pad handy may help curb thoughts vying for attention. You might want to practice a Sabbath time free from electronic media. Foster suggests the reading of selective poetry to help focus the wandering mind (he explains why).
Foster addresses demonic forces and the life of prayer. He answers frequently asked questions with practical answers.
Has Foster achieved all he writes about? No. He admits at one point, “I don't know about you, but all this lofty talk leaves me a little breathless. And overwhelmed. I'm just hoping to make it through the week. Perhaps you feel the same.” (73) But he encourages us not to despair or give up. He quotes Merton: “You cannot learn meditation from a book. You just have to meditate.” (133)
“Oh, let me tell you how much God desires our presence. How much God longs to hear from us. How much God yearns to communicate with us.” (15) Foster reviews the importance of meditation. Unlike other religions, Christian meditation involves hearing and obeying.
“In meditative prayer we are creating the emotional and spiritual space that allows God to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart.” (26) That requires transformation of the human heart – by God.
At first our prayers will be halting and uneasy. Foster suggests we are always asking (to be changed), always listening (for the still, small Voice), always obeying (the Spirit and Scripture). We will be drawn into a “habitual orientation of our heart toward God.” (32) “This is the formation of the heart before God.” (32)
Meditative prayer involves both the mind and the heart. He writes about the role of lectio divina and experiencing worship in community. He shares his own experience of Quaker worship.
After laying the foundation, Foster gives insight into the steps of meditation. There is the process of recollection (becoming more fully present, surrendering), beholding the Lord (the inward steady gaze of the heart upon God), and the prayer of listening (spirit alert, discerning the voice of God – quality, spirit, content).
“Distraction is the primary spiritual problem in our day.” (102) Learning single-hearted concentration takes time. Keeping a “to-do” pad handy may help curb thoughts vying for attention. You might want to practice a Sabbath time free from electronic media. Foster suggests the reading of selective poetry to help focus the wandering mind (he explains why).
Foster addresses demonic forces and the life of prayer. He answers frequently asked questions with practical answers.
Has Foster achieved all he writes about? No. He admits at one point, “I don't know about you, but all this lofty talk leaves me a little breathless. And overwhelmed. I'm just hoping to make it through the week. Perhaps you feel the same.” (73) But he encourages us not to despair or give up. He quotes Merton: “You cannot learn meditation from a book. You just have to meditate.” (133)
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2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer
Overall Rating:
Date:September 19, 2011
elrod
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Fantastic book. One I have a hard time putting down.
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.