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Title: Discovering the Hidden Reality:  A Journey into Christian Mystical Prayer 

Author: George A. Maloney, SJ 
ISBN: 0-8189-0949-8 
Paperback: xx + 202 pp. 
Price: $14.95 + shipping 

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In his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Pope John Paul II had the following to say: "The West is now experiencing a renewed demand for meditation, which at times leads to a keen interest in aspects of other religions.... Much in vogue among these approaches are methods aimed at attaining a high level of spiritual concentration by using techniques of a psychophysical, repetitive and symbolic nature." Father Maloney wholeheartedly agrees with this assessment and points out the dangers and pitfalls of such an approach, divorced from Scripture and Tradition (both East and West). The wisdom of the desert Fathers and Mothers comes to our aid in helping us to discover the hidden reality in the world, ourselves and ultimately in the Triune God who dwells in the heart of the believer who seeks a deeper relationship with God in prayer. The contemplation of the "mystics" is not reserved to those who live in convents, monasteries and hermitages. It is for everyone everywhere, in the midst of the turmoil of daily life. In this work, he shows us how -- without a lot of methods and techniques -- we can enter into this deeper form of prayer and thus "pray always."
 
George A. Maloney, SJ, Director of Contemplative Ministries in Seal Beach, California, is well-known in Roman Catholic and Russian Byzantine Rite circles for his many works on prayer and spirituality. His many Alba House titles include The Mystery of Christ in You (1998), Your Sins Are Forgiven, (1994), The Spirit Broods Over the World (1993), God's Incredible Mercy (1989), Entering the Heart of Jesus (1988), and God's Exploding Love (1987). 

Reviews

"There is an interest among many to explore contemplative traditions outside the West. Maloney would have the reader explore the Christian contemplative tradition. The wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers comes to our aid in helping us discover the hidden reality in the world, ourselves, and ultimately the Triune God who dwells in the heart of the believer. Maloney is a trusted guide for those who seek a deeper relationship with God in prayer. He understands that contemplation is not reserved to those who live in monasteries and convents, but it is for all Christians and within their reach to enter into a deeper form of prayer by the grace of God. --Bookviews of Theology Book Service, May 2004

Prayer as journey: The way of contemplative prayer is a journey of experience, of trying to be closer to God. It is not a destination. It is not a job to complete. The trip offers us a chance to give ourselves up to God and let the Trinity infuse our lives with light. Discovering the Hidden Reality: A Journey into Christian Mystical Prayer by Fr. George A. Maloney, SJ offers his unique way of finding that path. It is only by working to know God and Jesus deeply as people, not as concepts, that we can begin our journey as modern "mystics," contrasting Eastern philosophies and Western traditions. In his book, Fr. Maloney suggests ways to start walking down the path, seeking the signposts on the journey. He says that God is inside us, and that by opening ourselves up to him, we give our lives to him and his ways. Maloney says it is not a step-by-step or how-to book in the sense of offering all the answers. Prayer is not a technique where we speak and wait for God to answer. "I believe," he says, "there is a need for a book of insights that present prayer as a state of continued growing into deeper union with the indwelling Holy Trinity, rather than placing the total focus on our doing." His insights offer help to all who want to pray more deeply, to live more closely with God. --Crux of the News, June 14, 2004

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