posted April 11, 2013 05:03 PM            

Just a few of my favorites here:

Abandonment To Divine Providence
by Jean-Pierre de Caussade

Experiencing The Depths of Jesus Christ
by Jeanne Guyon

Centuries of Meditations
by Thomas Traherne

A Testament of Devotion
by Thomas R. Kelly

Open Mind, Open Heart
by Thomas Keating

With the exception of Thomas Traherne's lyrical homilies, these are all simple and compelling introductions to the art of contemplative prayer, or what is known in many faith traditions as the practice of meditation.

Perhaps Caussade's "Abandonment To Divine Providence" may be better understood as an introduction to an introduction, as it dwells exclusively on the nature of faith, which is really the faculty of "abandoning" the operations of the mind and will in favor of a perfect confidence or trust. Faith, thus understood, is not "faith in" something, but, rather, it is pure, naked faith itself. It is the essence of the soul's aspiration; which bears it up, and sustains it in the light of the Divine Presence. This practice begins simply enough, and carries the one who practices it "faithfully" into the very deepest experiences of contemplative prayer.

Guyon's book is probably the simplest and best primer I have ever come across. “Guyon is the greatest Christian to rise since the first century.” (~ John Wesley)