Gratefulness, The Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness

A member of the Calmaldolese order of monks, and well-known for his far-reaching interests in theology and science (he has explored the implications of contemporary physics with Fritjof Capra, the author of The Tao of Physics), Steindl-Rast does a wonderful job of exploring the relationship between prayer and that sense of gratefulness that comes with love, which is at the very center of what it means to be human. "To bless whatever there is, and for no other reason but simply because it is, that is what we are made for as human beings," he writes. Connecting contemplation and action, he affirms that contemplation may best be realized by "acting in love." "Thinking about God is important," he states, but "acting in God leads to a deeper knowledge. Lovers are closer to love than scholars who merely reflect on love. It would be a bit awkward to reflect on kissing while you kiss." --Doug Thorpe

• A Good Day: A Gift of Gratitude
• i am through you so i
• May Cause Happiness: A Gratitude Journal
• The Way of Silence: Engaging the Sacred in Daily Life
• 99 Blessings: An Invitation to Life
• Music of Silence: A Sacred Journey through the Hours of the Day
• Stop-Look-Go: A Grateful Practice Workbook and Gratitude Journal
• Deeper Than Words: Living the Apostles' Creed
• David Steindl-Rast: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters)
• A Listening Heart: The Spirituality of Sacred Sensuousness