Reference Material - Loving God and each other
Introduction / Friendship
1. On the Prayer of the Heart
• R.M. French The Way of a Pilgrim (SPCK Lon. 1980).
A classic tale of a Russian pilgrim who searches for the secret of St Paul’s dictum, “Pray Without Ceasing” (1 Thess.), and is rewarded by the discovery of the Jesus Prayer.

• Writings from the Philokalia on Prayer of the Heart (Faber and Faber, Lon. 1975)
A collection of writings by outstanding practitioners, compiled originally by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, first published in 1782. These writings come mostly from the early Christian centuries and demonstrate the universality of our faith and discipleship of Jesus.

2. On Ascetical Theology (Studies 2-5)
• The Three Ages of the Interior Life:
Prelude to Eternal Life Vols. 1 and 2 by Rev. R Garrigou – La Grange O.P (Tan Books, Illinois 1989)
Fr Reginald was one of the great theologians of the 20th century. These volumes gather the tradition of ascetical theology, 3with extensive reference to biblical and other key tasks of the Christian way. It is a work that encourages our response to God’s call to holiness. Each volume is of 600 pages and reveal the depths of our Christian tradition.

On a Rule of Life and Seeking Unity with God
• Gerard W. Hughes God in all Things (DLT Lon. 2003)
A splendid sequel to the God of Surprises, itself a guidebook of the inner journey.
This book also includes good references and interesting exercises as we ponder “earthing our prayer”, “the path to freedom”, “reflections on Christian unity” and much more.
Beautifully written, it further elaborates our quest to be at one with God. There is a prophetic edge as we are drawn to consider matters of peace and justice.

• Christopher Bryant The River Within (DLT Lon. 1978) and The Heart in Pilgrimage (DLT Lon. 1980).
He writes out of a depth of psychological and spirited insight about the human journey – “a move between two mysteries, the lesser mystery of human kind and the greater mystery of God”. He accepts the ancient division of the human journey into the purgative, illuminative and unitive ways, and suggests methods of prayer appropriate to each.
The River Within is particularly helpful as we think about the challenges of each stage in the life-cycle.

• Diane K. Osbon (ed.) Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion.
This book introduces us to the wonderful insights of Joseph Campbell, as he reflects on a lifetime study of Mythology. It is about the art of living in the sacred.

• Robert Llewelyn Memories and Reflections (DLT Lon. 1998).
This fascinating autobiography gathers the spiritual insights of the former Chaplain of the Julian Shrine in Norwich.
His Story demonstrates uniquely all that is wonderful, complex and fully engaging about a life spent in search of God’s holiness and truth.
A book that is good for the heart, also with abundant additional references and other suggestions for the pilgrimage.
There is much warmth and many funny stories, told by a Godly gentleman.