Overview

Masterfully written and intensely enlightening, Franciscan Prayer could very well be considered the essential handbook for all those seeking to pray and live the Franciscan way. With exquisite execution, Franciscan theologian Ilia Delio clearly outlines what it means to pray as a Franciscan. Through her experience as a discalced Carmelite nun and then her transformation into Franciscan scholar, Sister Delio brings to light the ""contemplative,"" ""cosmic"" and ""evangelizing"" aspects of Franciscan prayer. Everyone, says Delio, seems to know about Francis' life, his miracles, his devotion to evangelization and his dedication to living a simple and humble life, yet few know about his prayer life, which seemed, over the centuries, to get lost in the paper shuffle between theologians, followers and historical biographers. It is through Clare of Assisi, Delio asserts, that we have insights into the Franciscan path of prayer. ""[Clare] provides the 'road-map' of prayer for evangelical life...she was able to do this because she lived under monastic rule while ardently desiring evangelical life."" Through Clare's letters and actions, we find the rudiments of Franciscan prayer: ""Gaze--Consider--Contemplate--Imitate."" Delio also uses the insights of Saint Bonaventure as well as Saint Francis to fully show the meaning and purpose of prayer in the Franciscan tradition.

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9780867166149

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"""This is a book on Franciscan prayer written by a theologian who strives to define more clearly the path of Franciscan prayer and as one who seeks God in a complex world. It is my belief that an understanding of prayer in the Franciscan tradition, that is the spirituality of prayer, can offer new vitality to Christian life today because it is a path of relationship with God that strives to live in the fullness of the Incarnation."""

This is a book on Franciscan prayer written by a theologian who strives to define more clearly the path of Franciscan prayer and as one who seeks God in a complex world. It is my belief that an understanding of prayer in the Franciscan tradition, that is the spirituality of prayer, can offer new vitality to Christian life today because it is a path of relationship with God that strives to live in the fullness of the Incarnation.

Author Information

ILIA DELIO, O.S.F., is a Franciscan sister. She is associate professor of ecclesiastical history, director of Franciscan Studies and academic coordinator of spirituality studies at the Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C. She wrote Crucified Love: Bonaventure's Mysticism of the Crucified Christ (Franciscan Press, Quincy, Illinois) and Simply Bonaventure: An Introduction to his Life: Thought and Writings (New City Press, New York).

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