Author John F. Gill
Publisher Sacristy £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781789590708
Modestly sub-titled ‘Perspectives on the Jesus Prayer’ this dense little book is in fact a miniature history of Christian spirituality. Beginning with the desert Fathers and Mothers, Gill discusses the development of prayer techniques from the earliest times to the present day while at the same time discussing possible connections with non-Christian meditation traditions. There is an interesting chapter comparing the origins of the Jesus prayer with the psychophysical hesychastic practices derived from Hindu yoga via Sufism, the mystical tradition within Islam. Western monastic traditions including the Cloud of Unknowing are discussed, as well as Carmelite and Jesuit practice; even the Marian Rosary of the Roman Catholic church is compared and contrasted with the Jesus Prayer in helpful and illuminating ways. The 20th century western interest in Christian Meditation and Centering Prayer are also contrasted with the eastern Orthodox use of the Jesus Prayer and found to be lacking a truly Christological focus. This book would be a mine of information for anyone interested in exploring a new form of prayer and there is an extensive bibliography of more academic studies in the Orthodox prayer tradition.
KIRSTY ANDERSON
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