Dive into the intriguing world of Thomas Merton's teachings, where prayer opens pathways to divine connection. Reflect on the transformative power of journaling and the delicate balance between certainty and uncertainty in spiritual growth. Explore self-discovery and acceptance amidst life's complexities, highlighting the significance of identity in our journey towards divine love. Finally, embrace the lessons of trust and surrender, drawing inspiration from profound moments of transformation.
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insights INSIGHT
Understanding Ourselves in God's Presence
James Finley reflects on a prayer by Thomas Merton, emphasizing the importance of understanding oneself and one's life in God's presence.
Merton's prayerful dialogue with God guides listeners to deeper self-awareness and spiritual growth.
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Reflecting on Merton's Prayer
Read Merton's prayer, "My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going... ,".
Reflect on how Merton's words resonate with your own life and experiences with God.
insights INSIGHT
The Unpredictability of Life
Merton's "I have no idea where I am going" acknowledges life's unpredictability and the transformative power of unexpected events.
We often misjudge our life's trajectory, and acknowledging this uncertainty is key to spiritual growth.
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This book is a foundational text of Christian mysticism, written in the 14th century. It advises readers to direct their full attention, love, and effort towards God by embracing a 'cloud of unknowing' that stands between them and God. The author emphasizes that God cannot be known through intellect but only through love and a deep, contemplative practice. The text advocates for the abandonment of all worldly thoughts and distractions to focus solely on God, using a 'cloud of forgetting' to separate oneself from created things. It is a guide for advanced spiritual seekers, outlining the stages of spiritual life including purgation, illumination, and union with God[2][3][4].
Revelations of Divine Love
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Julian of Norwich
Revelations of Divine Love is a classic work of Christian mysticism written by Julian of Norwich. It recounts her personal experiences of divine revelation and offers profound insights into God's love and compassion. The book explores themes of God's motherhood, the nature of sin and salvation, and the ultimate triumph of love. Julian's writing is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and profound emotional depth. It continues to inspire and challenge readers centuries after its creation.
Thoughts in solitude
Thoughts in solitude
Thomas Merton
Thoughts in Solitude is a collection of Thomas Merton's reflections on prayer, contemplation, and the spiritual life. Merton explores themes of solitude, silence, and the presence of God in everyday life. His writings offer guidance on deepening one's spiritual practice and finding God's presence in the midst of the world. The book is known for its poetic language and its profound insights into the human condition. It remains a classic of contemplative spirituality.
This is the fourth episode of eight that focuses on the mystic, Thomas Merton. In the spirit of Lectio Divina, James Finley re-visits Thomas Merton’s prayer from Thoughts in Solitude that he touched on in Session 2. In this session, Jim turns it into a reflective prayer and guides us into better ways of understanding ourselves, our lives in the presence of God, and how God sustains and guides us as Jim finishes with a meditative practice.
For the transcript to this podcast, you can find it here.
Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. To do so, email us at podcasts@cac.org
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Turning to the Mystics with James Finley 
