This book is intended as a complete guidebook for all who wish to know the practice of centering prayer better. Whether the reader is new to or already practicing centering prayer, the book will widen your understanding. Bourgeault says, "There is still little real understanding of how centering prayer is related to the classic tradition of Christian contemplation, and virtually no appreciation of the direct nuances of its methods or of its revolutionary (and largely untapped) potential to transform Christian life."
A group could approach the book by first reading the "Epilogue - The Way of the Heart," which introduces the twelve important points of centering prayer. This section also provides a quick overview of centering prayer as a comprehensive method for inner awakening.
This book would be useful to centering prayer groups that need more formation, both to inspire practice, deepen the practice, and explain the practice to others. The book is short, readable and well organized. There are four parts: The Method, The Tradition, The Psychology, and Inner Awakening.
Bourgeault has worked with Richard Rohr, Thomas Keating, and James Finley.
Doug Heatwole