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Contemplative Prayer

By: Thomas Merton
Narrated by: Jonathan Montaldo
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Publisher's summary

This is Merton at his best, applying ancient wisdom to the longings of our age through thoughtful commentary on Scripture and writers of the Western spiritual tradition. This book distills Merton's own reading and long experience with contemplation.

©1969 The Merton Legacy Trust (P)2007 St. Anthony Messenger Press
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What listeners say about Contemplative Prayer

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Possibly his best writing

I've read a handful of Mertons books; this feels like one of his deepest in spirit. I listen to Audible books driving but will likely buy this title in print. You will want to take this one slowly and repeat key passages.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Truth is Merton’s tool

Somehow I love Merton’s unflinching descriptions of the ways we can and do deceive ourselves into thinking we are making progress on our spiritual journey while in actuality getting stuck… again. But truth is the tool and the answer, and he deftly leads us in its ( God’s) direction .

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    3 out of 5 stars

A more academic Merton

As this is not read by Merton and is not specifically feature him in the Abbey talking to amateur monks, it lacks a lot of the luster that you get from other readings. I've listened to a lot of the lectures and read seven story mountain. I would rank this somewhere in the middle. There is a book called "Thomas Merton on Contemplation" that is read by Merton and that I would consider much better than this.

This work reads similar to a dissertation with many citations whereas the other feels straight from the heart of Merton. Enjoy!

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Dark and light with Thomas Merton

a beautiful, memorable book, the narrator delivers it well. I often thought paragraphs were as powerful as were chapters, so even struggling listeners will reach the bright light and not be left alone for long.

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Missing Last Chapter

I listened to this audiobook and read the paperback at the same time. This audio version is missing the final chapter of the book and the supplemental material at the end.

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Another beauty by one of my favorite authors

Balanced, clear advice on one's prayer life. Though aimed at monastics, it's very useful for us plain old folk.

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10 people found this helpful

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Good for relaxing, pondering.

I listen to books at night to fall asleep to. This was nice for that. Made me feel calm.

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Still classic

A beautiful and deeply realized reflection on the contemplate life of prayer. The last chapter is missing from the audio book.

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2 people found this helpful