Very simply, for Thomas Merton life was a continuous search for communion with God as well as a search for ways to manifest Him to one's fellow man. And, for Merton, this was realized only through prayer, which he called "a consciousness of one's union with God." Thus, nearly all his spiritual works convey this underlying theme, and the value and purpose of personal prayer for contemporary Christians.
THOMAS MERTON ON PRAYER is a comprehensive study of Merton's thoughts on prayer which reflects the full scope of It is contemplative life and his writings on every aspect of prayer. To place Merton's idea of contemplative prayer in its full Perspective, John J. Higgins explores the two central forces of Merton's spirituality: man's search for God and his discovery of God through love shared with other men. Throughout, the author well demonstrates the vitality and relevancy of Merton's spiritual life to all men in their quest for a personal awareness of Christ. In an age which questions the value of personal prayer, in an age which strives for interior Peace, Thomas Merton's exemplary prayer life-as depicted in THOMAS MERTON ON PRAYER offers a creative challenge to each of us.