Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life A Practical Guide to Prayer for Active People

by Spitzer, Fr. Robert J.

• ISBN13: 9781586172015
• ISBN10: 1586172018
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-03-01
• Publisher: Ignatius Press

Summary

Fr. Spitzer, President of Gonzaga University and a highly regarded spiritual teacher and writer, presents a practical, yet rich guide for helping busy people develop a regular and deeper prayer life. Based on many successful retreats and seminars he has given to much acclaim over the years, this brilliant Jesuit priest presents five essential means through which the contemplative and active aspects of our lives can be fused together for a stronger spiritual life.

Author Biography

Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is the former president of Gonzaga University and the founder of the Magis Institute, which educates the public about the relationship between physics, philosophy, reason, and faith. He is the chief education officer of the Ethics and Performance Institute, which delivers web-based ethics education to corporations and individuals, and President of the Spitzer Center for Ethical Leadership, which delivers similar curricula to non-profit organizations. He is the author of Healing the Culture, Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life, and Ten Universal Principles.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 13
First Pillar: The Holy Eucharist	p. 15
Introduction	p. 15
The Institution and Grace of the Eucharist	p. 15
The Eucharist as Universal Prayer	p. 19
The Eucharist and the Liturgy	p. 22
The Eucharist and the Other Sacraments	p. 23
Summary	p. 24
Second Pillar: Spontaneous Prayer	p. 26
Introduction	p. 26
Prayers in Times of Trial, Suffering, and Anxiety	p. 26
Prayers for Forgiveness	p. 30
Prayers Offering Forgiveness	p. 33
"Thy Will Be Done"	p. 36
Third Pillar: The Beatitudes	p. 39
Introduction	p. 39
Blessed Are the Humble-Hearted (the Poor in Spirit)	p. 42
Blessed Are the Gentle-Hearted (Meek)	p. 47
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for the Will of God (Holiness)	p. 51
Blessed Are the Forgiving and Merciful	p. 52
Blessed Are the Pure of Heart	p. 58
Blessed Are the Peacemakers	p. 60
God in Light of the Beatitudes	p. 61
Fourth Pillar: Partnership with the Holy Spirit Peace, Inspiration, and Transformation	p. 66
Introduction	p. 66
A Peace Beyond All Understanding	p. 66
Peace in Times of Suffering	p. 67
Peace in Times of Persecution	p. 68
The Peace Necessary for Good Judgment	p. 69
Inspiration and Guidance	p. 70
Words of Help and Edification	p. 71
The Sensus Fidei	p. 72
Guidance on Our Way	p. 74
Transformation in the Heart of Christ	p. 76
Working with the Holy Spirit	p. 80
Fourth Pillar: Partnership with the Holy Spirit (Continued) Consolation, Desolation, and Spiritual Discernment	p. 83
Introduction	p. 83
Spiritual Consolation and Desolation	p. 84
Affective Consolation and Desolation	p. 86
Affective Consolation	p. 86
Affective Desolation	p. 91
Three Rules for the Discernment of Spirits	p. 95
Fifth Pillar: The Contemplative Life. Getting Started: Building a Contemplative Base	p. 100
Introduction	p. 100
Creation	p. 103
Creation of Our Human Souls	p. 105
Redemption in Jesus Christ	p. 107
The Presence and Guidance of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives	p. 115
Fifth Pillar: The Contemplative Life (Continued) Ignatian Contemplation on the Heart of Jesus	p. 123
Introduction	p. 123
The Wedding Feast at Cana (Jn 2:1-11)	p. 124
The Call of Nathanael (Jn 1:43-50)	p. 125
The Samaritan Woman (Jn 4:1-29)	p. 127
A Collage of Peter	p. 129
The Death of Lazarus (Jn 11:1-57)	p. 132
The Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-32)	p. 135
The Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32)	p. 138
A Note on Contemplating the Mysteries of the Rosary	p. 143
Fifth Pillar: The Contemplative Life (Continued) Contemplation in Everyday Life	p. 147
Introduction	p. 147
Praise	p. 148
From Gratitude to the Freedom to Love: The Examen Prayer	p. 152
Epilogue	p. 159
A Checklist for Growth in the Spiritual Life	p. 167
References	p. 169
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