Here’s an excerpt from my new book Same Old, Same New: The Consolation of the Ordinary. It’s an imagined conversation between a spiritual director, Father Zachary, and his directee, Philip.
Tag Archives: Prayer
Zorba the Greek & Me: An Answer to Prayer
A year ago I finished my first adult novel, a blend of realistic fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi entitled Angels & Aliens. Ever since then I’ve been trying to get it published, sending it everywhere I can think of and getting one rejection after another. I’ve been very patient throughout this process, thinking it was only a matter of time. But finally one day I lost patience and began complaining bitterly to God.
I Like Youngsters: Revisiting Michel Quoist
I’ve been enjoying a book that was a big bestseller back in the 1960’s: Prayers by Michel Quoist.
The Prayer of the Cross: Compass Points for a New Life
I want to share with you a prayer that I’ve been praying lately. I’m not usually keen on canned prayers, but this one is a humdinger.
At Night My Heart Instructs Me: Reflections on Insomnia
To a friend who wrote to me asking for advice about insomnia, I sent the following reply:
The Prayer of One Very Ill: Good Friday in a Season of Pandemic
This prayer seems appropriate as we approach Good Friday in the midst of a pandemic. It was composed by Marguerite Teilhard de Chardin, a former President of the Catholic Union of the Sick, and sister of the well-known writer, Pierre.
Job’s Squeaky Wheel: Wheedling God
“I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God” (Job 13:3). Job really believes that if he summons God, God will appear and answer him. This is astounding.
Let’s Pretend: Prayer as Serious Child’s Play
The backyard of our former house featured a neighborhood playground. While sitting on my deck one day, I overheard two little girls at play.
The Night Stair: Contemplative Prayer and the Spirituality of Sleep
One of the many books I hope to publish one day is The Night Stair: Reflections on Contemplative Prayer.
Be Still and Know: Contemplative Prayer
Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself” begins with the line, “I lean and loaf at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.” This is not a bad way to begin the practice of contemplative prayer.