Great Books about Contemplative Prayer
Here are the best books we’ve read about Contemplative Prayer and the mystical life.
The Ascent of Mount Carmel by John of the Cross. This is a guide for spiritual growth and contemplative prayer. This is our summary and personal journey. We suggest getting The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross. Published by the Institute of Carmelite Studies in 1991.
A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Raymond Kelly. He was a Quaker mystic. His book “A Testament of Devotion” is widely read by people interested in spirituality.
The Cloud of Unknowing. This is a spiritual guide for Contemplative Prayer. It was written by an unknown author in the late Middle Ages. We suggest the edition edited by Emilie Griffin and translated by Tim Farrington. Published by HarperOne in 1981.
Contemplative Prayer by James Borst, M.H.M. Published by Liguori Publications in 1979.
Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton.
The Contemporary Challenge of John of the Cross by Leonard Doohan. Published by the Institute of Carmelite Studies in 1995.
The Dark Night by John of the Cross. John wrote this book in 1578 or 1579. It is a guide for spiritual development and mystical prayer. We suggest getting The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross. Published by the Institute of Carmelite Studies in 1991.
Fire Within by Thomas Dubay, S.M. Published by Ignatius Press in 1989.
The Interior Castle by Teresa of Ávila. Teresa wrote this book in 1577. It is a guide for spiritual development and mystical prayer. We suggest the edition translated by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D. and Otilio Rodriquez, O.C.D. Published by Paulist Press in 1979.
The Life of Teresa of Ávila by Teresa of Ávila. Teresa shares her own life story, four stages of mystical prayer, the founding of the Discalced Carmelites, and her own mystical experiences.
The Living Flame of Love by John of the Cross. John wrote this book when he was near the end of his life and at the very peak of mystical experience. We suggest getting The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross. Published by the Institute of Carmelite Studies in 1991.
Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich. Julian (circa 1342 to circa 1416) was an English anchoress who is regarded as one of the most important Christian mystics.
Sitting Still by Patricia Hart Clifford. Published by Paulist Press in 1994.
The Soul’s Journey to God by Bonaventure. We suggest the edition translated by Professor Ewert Cousins. Published by Paulist Press in 1978.
The Story of a Soul by Thérèse of Lisieux. This is the autobiography of Thérèse (1983-1897). She is probably the most loved Christian writer of all time. We suggest the edition translated by John Beevers. Published by Image Books Doubleday in 2001
The Way of Perfection by Teresa of Ávila.
RESOURCES
Great Books about Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative Prayer Terminology
Bible Verses on Contemplative Prayer
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Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.