Richard Foster categorizes the interior life into twenty-one distinct types of petition and meditation, organizing them under three broad headings: the Upward Look, the Inward Look, and the Outward Look. He identifies specific traditions such as the Prayer of Relinquishment, where the individual surrenders personal will, and the Prayer of Adoration, which focuses entirely on the character of God. The text provides historical context from Christian mystics and theologians, offering practical methods for practicing silence, intercession, and contemplative rest through structured daily routines and mental disciplines.
This book serves practitioners of faith who find their spiritual habits stagnant or narrow. It attracts readers looking for a systematic guide to expanding their vocabulary and methods of communication with the divine. By studying these frameworks, the reader learns to move past repetitive requests and develops a diverse toolkit for spiritual discipline. The result is a broader understanding of how ancient contemplative practices apply to modern life, providing clear steps for developing a more varied and consistent prayer life.
Deep and inward-looking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1992
- Language
- EN
