Tree of Life, The: Models of Christian Prayer - Softcover

Chase, Steven

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801027624 ISBN 13: 9780801027628

Publisher: Baker Academic, 2005

Synopsis

Rooted in the desire to communicate the richness and diversity of prayer, this innovative book considers various models of understanding within the Christian prayer tradition. Likening the life of prayer to a tree sown as seed by God in the human heart, Steven Chase suggests five models of prayer that are linked to the Tree of Life metaphor: prayer as conversation (deep roots), prayer as relationship (solid trunk), prayer as journey (branches), prayer as transformation (new leaves), and prayer as presence (flowers and fruits). For each of the models the author discusses the actual practice of prayer and offers critical reflection. Pastors, spiritual formation leaders, and all those seeking to learn more about prayer will appreciate this book.

About this title

About the Author

Steven Chase (Ph.D., Fordham University) is associate professor of Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is the author of four books, including Angelic Spirituality and Contemplation and Compassion.

Reviews

Karl Barth once observed that to pray and to be a Christian are one and the same. Chase, professor of Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary, points out that the tree of life in Christian spiritual tradition is the deeply rooted habit of practicing various models of prayer. Using the metaphor of a growing tree, he traces different types of prayer through Christian history and in the lives of contemporary believers. Thus, prayer as conversation provides the deep roots of the tree of life; prayer as relationship is the sturdy trunk that provides constant support; prayer as journey is the branching of the tree of life; prayer as transformation provides the new buds that grow on that tree; and prayer as presence is the flowering and bearing of fruit. Chase digs up the writings of mystics such as Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, and Richard of St. Victor as he cultivates the images of the tree of life that give root to these prayer practices. Much like a gardener carefully tending to his plot, Chase sows the seeds of prayerful practice that, with constant nurture, will spread deep roots and produce fragrant blossoms. (Nov.)
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Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801027624
• ISBN 13: 9780801027628
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304