Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation

Oxford University Press, USA, June 2006. Hardcover. New. Speaking to a nation engulfed in war, worry and idolatry, Isaiah proclaims the posture of faithfulness: 'You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You.' This captures the soul of Christian contemplation-'staying the mind' on God despite the intrusive character of modern life. Great teachers of the Faith have echoed Isaiah's words throughout history. 'Preserve a loving attentiveness to God' we are directed by St. John of the Cross, and St. Macarius says, 'secure [your mind] to our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Rock.' It is unfortunate that sitting silently for prayer, meditative breathing, and training the attention-practices that aid in staying the mind on God-are almost universally associated with eastern religions. Laird's book reveals a depth of Christian teaching on these subjects, rooted in scripture and expressed by great pray-ers, from Egyptian ascetics to modern poets. This is a practical manual of the Church's contemplative tradition, a guide and encouragement for those who wish to enter the loving silence of God. 154 pp.