Description
The message of this book is that prayer is at the heart of the gospels. Presenting biblical scholarship in a clear, readable form accessible to all, Fr James McCaffrey also shows that prayer is a key to understanding the central insight of each evangelist into the person of Jesus. He explores such themes as: the gospel of portraits of Jesus; the Gethsemane scene; the prayer of faith, surrender and listening; and the main teachings of the gospels on prayer. By taking each gospel in turn, in order of composition, the author allows a compelling picture to emerge of the early church’s gradual deepening understanding of the mystery of Christian prayer in the gospel tradition.
The book invites its readers no just to learn about the gospels but also – perhaps especially – to pray with them. It therefore includes a detailed introduction to lectio divinia, each chapter ending with a guided exercise in praying with scripture, as well as questions for reflection. An appendix contains all the prayer texts in the gospels. This book will of interest to prayer groups and study circles as well as to the individual reader.
About the Author
James McCaffrey OCD is prior of the Carmelite community, Oxford, director of the retreat centre there, and editor of Mount Carmel: A Review of the Spiritual Life. He has a doctorate from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome and many years’ experience of lecturing and writing on scripture and spirituality worldwide.