Finding Grace at the Center: The Beginning of Centering Prayer

A new edition of the classic that helped launch the Centering Prayer movement.

Centering Prayer is a precious part of the ancient spiritual traditions of the West. When Finding Grace at the Center was first published in 1978, people all over the world welcomed this practical guide to a simple and beautiful form of meditative prayer. Reflections and advice on Centering Prayer's possibilities―and its pitfalls―are presented with clarity and simplicity, with a vision of the deeper life of the soul that contemplative prayer can bring about. Now, with a new foreword by Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, PhD, another generation will discover the amazing difference Centering Prayer can make in their lives.

M. Basil Pennington, OCSO, was a monk for more than fifty years. He lived at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts and was the author of many modern spiritual classics, including Lectio Divina and Centering Prayer.

Thomas Keating, OCSO, is a monk, priest and former abbot who currently lives at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado. His books include Open Mind, Open Heart; Intimacy with God and many others.

Thomas E. Clarke, SJ, is a well-known Jesuit writer and spiritual father. He now resides at Bethany Retreat Center in Highland Mills, New York.

Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, PhD, is an Episcopal priest and retreat leader focusing in Christian Spirituality. She is principal teacher for the Contemplative Society in Victoria, British Columbia, and founding director of the Aspen Wisdom School in Aspen, Colorado. Her books include Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, The Wisdom Way of Knowing, Encountering the Wisdom Jesus, Mystical Hope and Love Is Stronger than Death. She serves on the core faculty for the Spiritual Paths Foundation whose mission is to promote curiosity, respect and acceptance between people of diverse spiritual traditions.