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......The Cloister

Bethlehem Cloister. Between the Monastry and the Place of His Birth


Tools for the Simple Heart

Prayer, Meditation, Contemplation, Prayer of the Heart, The Fire of Love, The Negative Way, Via Negativa, Breath Prayer, The Practice of the Presence, The Cloud of Unknowing, The Dazzling Darkness,  The Spiritual Life, The Life of Prayer- 
These are all words for describing and sharing ways of being with Our Lord, which may be summed up in the words Western European Mysticism.

 

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CLOISTER RESOURCES


THE PRIMAL PAUSE:
Cenacle Prayer
SOUNDS OF SILENCE
on silent prayer
PRAYER OF THE HEART
The Jesus Prayer
BOOK OF COMFORT
well loved prayers
 CELTIC PRAYER
DAILY SEED
more will be added from time to time..



WHY LEARN MORE ABOUT PRAYER?

To pray is as natural to some people as breathing is. 
Sometimes. 
There are those blessed folk who seem to learn instinctively, the way most natural for them. It's just like talking really, or having a friend. 
But there are always ways to deepen our friendship, always things to learn. And when we get stuck, or need a kick start, or go through a dark night, or simply don't feel satisfied, maybe that's a sign that our praying needs to deepen, or to be more adventurous. 
Just as there are many ways to be human, or to be a friend, or to express one's beliefs, there are many ways to refresh one's Spiritual Path. These are just some. And they are all ways that I have used, paths that have illuminated my own spiritual struggle. 
I hope some of them will be of use to you. I hope too, that you will find here, prayers that are dear and familiar to you, ways that you are comfortable in already.  For the old and comfortable ways, can be, indeed, ways of comfort and strength.
Oh, there are lots of complicated and wonderful words about our methods of relating to 'God'. Though, at heart, they are all very simple, there is always something more to learn, and it is sometimes important to be reminded of 'stuff' we learned when we were children. This area of The Sanctuary is meant to be a resource. 
      Be warned, however. The work in here is nearly all of the 'how to' variety. If you are looking for theology, or for fine spiritual feeling, you won't find it here. 
      No method described in this place will work, unless you do it. For Instant Enlightenment and Spiritual Mastery, apply directly to the Maker. 

These are all Tools for the Simple Heart