Sacred Readings

Anyone who reads the opening 21 pages of this book and then practices sacred reading, meditation and contemplative prayer will have their life changed forever. The author gives you 90 short scripture passages to work through which help you begin two way communication with God. I re-read the opening pages about once a month just to keep sharp. Ken Boa is a true wordsmith. He uses words in phrases that clearly communicate how to develope moment by moment closeness with God. His book Conformed to His Image is a great followup to "Sacred Readings".

This book by a Protestant press is an example of mutual respect for traditions - the method of sacred reading described comes from the Catholic tradition; the description of contemplation makes use of Orthodox sources. The author refers to various saints - Basil, Benedict, Frances de Sales, Augustine using the title "St.". The result is that Christians of all ilks should be comfortable learning from Boa.The introduction to the process of sacred reading is satisfactory. Boa clearly understands the audience for which he is writing and succinctly provides the necessary background to engage in the 4 steps of the method-less method: reading or lectio, meditation or meditatio, prayer or oratio and contemplation or contemplatio. Boa provides a justification for the practice of sacred reading in a well-balanced Christian life.The remainder of the book is a collection of 90 Bible passages translated by and occassionally edited by Boa. These passages appear one to a page in journal format. The joural entries are identical questions based on the 4 steps with space to write your response. For readers who need or desire this type of "fill in the form" journals, this is fine. I personally would prefer to select the passages from a lectionary or Office of Readings ... and use a blank notebook.However, even if you don't use the journal portion, the book provides valuable information on how to teach a simple, non-threatening, non-monastic lectio divina.