The Naked Now: Book Review

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“The Naked Now” by Richard Rohr is a gold mine. I had just begun to practice silent prayer when I first read it two years ago. I recently decided to take a second run through this marvelous book. To be honest, this is the type of book that you need to read over and over again. You will see things that were hidden the previous time.

Both-And

“I knew early on that there were different kinds of knowings. Words divided reality between either and or, but my living experience was always both-and.” This book will reveal how you can change the way you see from either and or to both-and.

Contemplation

One way to learn to see both-and is the practice of contemplation. “Contemplation is an exercise in keeping your heart and mind spaces open long enough for turning to see other hidden material.” Just as Jesus did, we need to enter the prayer of quiet (contemplative prayer).

“No”

Another way to learn to see both-and is by following the advice of the great teachers. “The great teachers are saying that you cannot start seeing or understanding anything if you start with “No.”

Love and Suffering

I will make one final point regarding how you can learn to see both-and. “Love and suffering are the main portals this open up the mind space and the heart space…..” These are our greatest teachers. As I look back at my life I completely agree!

Next Steps

Now that I have made my second run through this book, I will let what I read soak in. I am certain this will not be the last time I pick up this wonderful book.

Read this book slowly and with a highlighter in hand. Go back and re read the highlighted parts. You will learn how to see the naked now.

 

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David Frenette’s book The Path of Centering Prayer reenergized the Centering Prayer tradition with its fresh insights and teachings.  Centering Prayer Meditations: Effortless Contemplation to Deepen Your Experience of God is a wonderful companion audio program  created to be equally rewarding as a stand-alone guide – gives listeners an immersive resource to learn contemplative prayer, step by step and in the moment. With clarity and compassionate presence, Frenette explains the essential principles of this contemplative practice for both new and seasoned practitioners, and then guides us experientially through core prayers and meditations.

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Contemplative Light is a group of Spiritual Directors and writers.  They offer a unique style of contemplative coaching based on the teachings and traditions of Christian Mysticism.  Sign up for a Free Spiritual Map Session.

Enjoy a wonderful course on Christian Prayer Methods by Dr. Philip St. Romain that will review a variety of methods of prayer that have been used for centuries in Christianity. These prayer methods include:  Prayer of Jesus, Paul and the Early Christians, Praying With Scripture (Lectio Divina), Centering Prayer, Christian Meditation, Breathing Prayer, Praying Psalms, Praying with Icons and Art (Visio Divina).

Listen to Simply Good News by New Testament scholar and author N. T. Wright.  It is based upon his book Simply Good News.  You will instantly get into the heart of the idea of ‘good news’ as it was understood by the 1st Century writers of the New Testament.  It will also work well at Adult Forum sessions at church