The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way
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Book Summary Information
Brand: Random HouseTranslator: Helen Bacovcin
Foreword: Walter J. Ciszek
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); Russian (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1992-10
ISBN: 0385468148
Number of pages: 196
Publisher: Image Books
Book Reviews of The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way
Book Review: The Pilgrim's journey, our journey to Christ by mystical prayer
Summary: 5 Stars
Way of a Pilgrim by Walter J. Ciszek, translated by Helen Bacovcin
In J. D. Salinger's short story, "Franny & Zooey" the reader learns of a college co-ed fascinated with the book, "Way of a Pilgrim" by an anonymous Russian author of the 1800's. Here is the very book for us pilgrims.
Page 191 has a glossary of terms.
Page 190 is a brief 10 point directive on how to pray.
You could call this, "Prayer-for-the-rest-of-us"
There are variations on what is called, "The Jesus Prayer". Any method can be effective. They all originate in the practices of the Christians of the first 5 centuries after the appearance of Jesus to meditate or intone brief words, phrases, or prayers. The suggestion is that the "Jesus Prayer" is one of these ancient prayers, derived from the commandment to "pray without ceasing". (I Thessalonians, 5:17)
The Jesus Prayer is recited thusly:
"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Or alternatively,
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
The book clarifies the difference between mental analysis of religious issues, and the distinct essence of prayer which is an active experience rather than an intellectual examination. The purpose of all is to move us into prayer of the Lips, to Prayer of the Mind, and finally, to unite all in Prayer of the Heart.
One of the unique encounters early in the book, concerns that between the soldier who has difficulty staying sober merely by studying the Gospels, and the religious man who teaches him how to pray.
This book is a window into the early centuries of Christian spiritual practice. It bypasses a thousand years of theological tradition and the waves of cultural churnings in the intervening centuries to bring us almost close enough to touch the Master's garment. The reader will be introduced into some literature that is mostly unknown, such as the PHILOKALIA.
[Also, see Ignatius Brianchaninov, HESYCHAST ]
There are other prayers that can be effective to transform us. Another common one is that which is attributed to St. Francis of Assissi, the "Peace Prayer" as Catholics refer to it. Actually, scholars have found that this prayer was in use prior to St. Francis. Thus, it has another source; but St. Francis may have taken advantage of that prayer also. It is my feeling, that this prayer can be awkward however, both in learning and recitation. Something of it's original language and rythm may be missing. I have altered it slightly so that it has a specific rythm, and humbly offer it here if someone should wish to employ it. I have found it pleasant to alternate it, at various times, with the "Jesus Prayer".
The Peace Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;
That where there is Hatred, let me sow Love,
That where there is Injury, let me sow Pardon,
That where there is Doubt, let me sow Faith,
That where there is Despair, let me sow Hope,
That where there is Darkness, let me sow Light,
That where there is Sadness, let me sow Joy.
Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be Consoled, as to Console.
That I may not so much seek to be Understood, as to Understand.
That I may not so much seek to be Loved, as to Love.
For it is by Pardoning, that we are Pardoned.
It is by Giving that we Receive.
And it is by Dying that we are born into Life Eternal.
(version of the 'Peace Prayer' by Bruce R. Bain)
Other useful prayers & comments:
I am not a conventional person. When I pray, I am on my knees, with my hands folded together before my chest and this feels quite comfortable. The breathing relaxes eventually. Also, I recite my prayers in a "round" as in a rosary, but I only say each prayer once at a time, with the exception of the Jesus Prayer, which I recite three times, because it is so short. It helps to remember that it is suggested that we "pray without ceasing". In this way, the waters of prayer wash over our soul. These are not spoken aloud, although I could do that; but I recite them in my mind. In between each of my prayers, I use a "sung" verse from the Catholic Mass. Together, the round of prayers goes like this, in a sequence:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
"Through Him, with Him, in Him. In the Unity of the Holy Spirit. All glory and honor are yours, almighty Father; forever and ever. Amen"
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;
That where there is Hatred, let me sow Love,
That where there is Injury, let me sow Pardon,
That where there is Doubt, let me sow Faith,
That where there is Despair, let me sow Hope,
That where there is Darkness, let me sow Light,
That where there is Sadness, let me sow Joy.
Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be Consoled, as to Console.
That I may not so much seek to be Understood, as to Understand.
That I may not so much seek to be Loved, as to Love.
For it is by Pardoning, that we are Pardoned.
It is by Giving that we Receive.
And it is by Dying that we are born into Life Eternal.
"Through Him, with Him, in Him. In the Unity of the Holy Spirit. All glory and honor are yours, almighty Father; forever and ever. Amen"
"Holy Spirit, Powerful Consoler, Sacred Bond of the Father and the Son
Descend into my heart, and establish in it your loving dominion.
Enkindle in my tepid soul, the fire of your love, that I may be entirely subject to you.
We believe that when you dwell in us, you also establish a dwelling for the Father and the Son.
Deign therefore, to come to me, Consoler of Abandoned Souls and Protector of the Needy.
Help the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and support the wavering.
Come and purify me.
Let no evil desire take possession of me.
You love the humble and resist the proud.
Come to me, O Glory of the Living and Hope of the Dying.
Lead me by your Grace that I may always be pleasing to you." (from St. Augustine)
"Through Him, with Him, in Him. In the Unity of the Holy Spirit. All glory and honor are yours, almighty Father; forever and ever. Amen"
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy!
Our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished
children of Eve.
To thee do we send
up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
Your eyes of mercy toward us;
And after this our exile show unto us the
blessed fruit of your womb Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
That we may be made worthy of the
promises of Christ. Amen (from the traditional Catholic Rosary)
"Through Him, with Him, in Him. In the Unity of the Holy Spirit. All glory and honor are yours, almighty Father; forever and ever. Amen"
"Take Lord, and recieve, all l my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will.
You have given me whatever I am or possess.
I give it back to you that I may be entirely subject to your will.
Only give me only your love and grace.
With these I am rich enough and ask for nothing more." (-St. Ignatius of Loyola)
"Through Him, with Him, in Him. In the Unity of the Holy Spirit. All glory and honor are yours, almighty Father; forever and ever. Amen"
"Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God.
God alone suffices." (---the BOOKMARK of St. Teresa of Avila)
"Through Him, with Him, in Him. In the Unity of the Holy Spirit. All glory and honor are yours, almighty Father; forever and ever. Amen"
"Holy Spirit of God, take me as thy disciple.
Guide me, ILLUMINATE me, Sanctify me.
Bind my hands that they may do not evil.
Cover my eyes that they may see it no more.
Sanctify my heart that evil may not dwell within me.
Be Thou my GOD, be Thou my Guide.
Whithersoever Thou Leadest me, I will go.
Whatsoever Thou Forbiddest me, I will renounce.
Whatsoever Thou Commandest me, in Thy strength I will do.
Lead me then unto the fullness of thy TRUTH."
----Henry Edward Manning, English Roman Catholic Archbishop and Cardinal
"Through Him, with Him, in Him. In the Unity of the Holy Spirit. All glory and honor are yours, almighty Father; forever and ever. Amen"
[From here, the entire sequence may be repeated again. I do this for about an hour. Be patient. It cannot be done "all at once." One can only learn one prayer at a time. It took me generally about an entire winter, notwithstanding that I spent a year learning the first two prayers (Jesus & St. Francis). Especially, if one kneels (which is part of a great secret) we should allow for our body to adjust. Perhaps only five minutes at first, then ten minutes, then fifteen, until a period of weeks has passed. Then the entire body relaxes into it. When the heart opens...we know why.]
Also, many verses from scripture will serve for prayers. Here are other examples:
Romans 5:5
"For the love of God sheddeth abroad in our hearts, through the power of the Holy Spirit which is given to us."--Amen
or
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." --Amen, from I Thessalonians chapter 5
[This I submit unto the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone is the salvation of the world, who is the worthy Lamb who sits upon the Throne, whose blood having spilled into the earth, has redeemed humanity. He thought it not too much to sacrifice himself for us.--Amen 9th of June, 2008. ]
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Summary of The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way
This classic work of Russian spirituality has charmed countless readers with its tale of a nineteenth-century peasant seeking the truth with simple humility, finding joy and plenty everywhere in life.Devotionals Books
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