Contemplation begins with Wonder.
What Are you Wondering About Today?
Latest Articles
Verbum / Logos
Most people think of contemplation and mysticism in terms of prayer and meditation — and rightly so. But there is still an impressive body of wisdom literature to explore — what Thomas Cranmer said about the Bible applies also to mystical literature: these are teachings to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.” You can take your study of the mystics so much further if you tap into a program as powerful as Verbum or Logos.
Spiritual Directors International (SDI)
SDI now is an educational nonprofit, serving over 6,000 members in 42 countries around the world. Although it began as a gathering of Christian spiritual companions, today the organization is interfaith in scope and supports spiritual guides of any faith tradition.
Do I Have to be a Member of a Church to be a Christian Mystic?
I think I understand how many people — including many people with a genuine interest in the mystics — find church to be the last place they want to be, on Sunday or any other time during the week.
There are many reasons for this. Many people have been hurt by churches.
Praying with Icons
Praying with icons is no longer just something eastern Christians do. Recognizing that the image can be a powerful window into heaven, Christians across the entire Body of Christ have found meaning and spiritual sustenance in the prayerful contemplation of icons.
Divinization
What Are You Wondering About Today? Filter by categories Clear Results Community Resources Glossary History of Mysticism Media Miscellaneous Topics Mystical Locations Mystical Theology Overview of Christian Mysticism Profiles of …
Deification
What Are You Wondering About Today? Filter by categories Clear Results Community Resources Glossary History of Mysticism Media Miscellaneous Topics Mystical Locations Mystical Theology Overview of Christian Mysticism Profiles of …
Theosis
Theosis comes from the Greek θέωσις and literally means “divine state” — Theo (God, divinity) + osis (state or condition). Think of words like theology (God-talk) and gnosis (a state of knowledge) to understand how the word is constructed.
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a contemporary method of Christian spiritual practice that is based on teachings from ancient Christian mystics. It recognizes silence and stillness as doorways into prayer and intimacy with God.
Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
I have a wonderful and affectionate regard for Washington, DC’s Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. It may not be as widely known as Contemplative Outreach International or the Center for Action and Contemplation, but Shalem still has a global reach, offers a distinctive and beautiful approach to contemplative spirituality, and — most significant for me — was the setting where I was introduced to contemplative practice and to the ministry of spiritual direction.
Latest Blog Posts
Why Do So Many Christians (and Christian Churches) Reject Esotericism and Occultism?
The following question arrived in my email inbox the other day… Why is there such a condemnation in the Christian churches for esotericism/occultism? I have my entire adult life ( …
Why Do So Many Christians (and Christian Churches) Reject Esotericism and Occultism? Read More »
Some Podcasts You Might Enjoy
Over the past few months I have had the good fortune to be the guest on a few podcasts. Perhaps you might enjoy listening to them. If so, check the …
Advance Praise for Eternal Heart
Friends, I am so happy to report that my forthcoming book, Eternal Heart, has now made it through the editing and proofreading process and the publisher is preparing it for …
Many Paths, One Way: Balancing Religious Commitment with Spiritual Diversity
A reader, who chooses to remain anonymous, posed the following question: “a world shaped by peace and harmony among the people of all positive paths.” Are they all the way …
Many Paths, One Way: Balancing Religious Commitment with Spiritual Diversity Read More »
Get a Centering Prayer “Affirmations” Bookmark
Friends, as you can see from this photo, I have a new bookmark and I’d love to send a couple of them to you. While one side of the bookmark …
Online Retreat: Praying with Julian of Norwich (May 14-15, 2021)
Julian of Norwich was a 14th century mystic and author who, even in her own lifetime, was renowned as a visionary and spiritual director. She was the first woman to …
Online Retreat: Praying with Julian of Norwich (May 14-15, 2021) Read More »
Online Day of Reflection for Patrons: Julian of Norwich (May 8, 2021)
Four times a year I offer an online Quiet Day/Day of Reflection for the generous patrons who support the Anamchara website/blog/knowledge base through Patreon. The next such quiet day will …
Online Day of Reflection for Patrons: Julian of Norwich (May 8, 2021) Read More »
James Martin: Learning to Pray
“Everyone can pray” is the hopeful and helpful opening message of Learning to Pray, the new book from bestselling Jesuit author James Martin. But he knows that many people don’t …
A Dream About A High School Library and Standing Up For What’s Right
Last night, I had the following dream. I woke up and wrote the dream down, and here is the unedited transcript of what I wrote: Dream 1/31/21-2/1/21 I was back …
A Dream About A High School Library and Standing Up For What’s Right Read More »
