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

by Robert J. Spitzer

Book Overview

Saint Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, espoused the ideal of becoming "contemplatives in action." He was convinced that contemplation (the deep awareness and appropriation of the unconditional love of God) should affect our actions, and that our actions need to be brought back to contemplation.

These five dimensions of the spiritual life: (1) the Holy Eucharist, (2) spontaneous prayer, (3) the Beatitudes, (4) partnership with the Holy...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1586172018
• ISBN13: 9781586172015
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 171 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great depth, wonderful humor

I have heard Father Spitzer speak at conferences. He is engaging, challenging, entertaining, and, deeply spiritual. This book reflects all of these traits---and more. I especially recommend it for Catholics who want guidance in how to grow in their relationship with God.

A wonderful introduction to Catholic spirituality

This book is a gem. In it, Father Spitzer gives his suggestions for a sound foundation in spirituality for Catholics. He is an enthusiastic spokesman for the Eucharist, prayer, the Beatitudes, the Holy Spirit, and contemplation, and he discusses each "pillar" with great examples from his own life. This is a great book for any Catholic looking to "jump start" or renew their spiritual life. The appendix on the Four Levels of Happiness is a great summary of this important part of his philosophy.

Compelling, Powerful book on Spirituality

This is the most compelling, powerful book on our Catholic religion I have ever read. The first chapter alone, on the Eucharist, sent me to attend mass daily, if possible. Fr. Spitzer has a way of stating strong messages without pushing or pressure. This first pillar, the Holy Mass gives us peace, transforms us and makes us one with the whole world. Then he gently leads us to the next four pillars, all equally moving. Thank you, Fr. Spitzer, for your gift of writing and sharing us your life. Elnora Mercado Denver, Colorado

Profound truths most simply stated

First let me state that I am not a Roman Catholic AND that this my favorite introduction to prayer because Father took a very difficult problem...which is how do we commune with God....and with great love and simple language instructs how we can throw ourselves at the feet of Christ our God. And in doing this, grow in Faith, Hope and Love from His Holy Spirit. He covers all the aspects of different types of prayer and contemplation in a way that is easy to understand and in a way that makes you inspired to pray more and more. I especially appreciated his treatment of delusion and the testing of spirits as to whether or not they are of God. Prayer is not without its pitfalls! If you are not part of the apostolic tradition you may suffer reading this book because of his emphasis on Christ our God in the Eucharist, but suffering is good! This is the foundation you want to build your life on. Just know that this book is a meal for all Christian seekers. In addition to being a great text on prayer, there is a companion video series that goes with this book that is excellent also, but not as thorough. Sometimes you can catch a rerun on television. Thank you Father for your devotion and for the humility of your heart in Christ. Inspired!