This user-friendly book blends theory and practice, gently and concretely taking the reader through the first steps of contemplative prayer. Armchair Mysticbegins with the necessary details of time and place to pray, then presents the maturation of the prayer life in four stages: Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God, and Being with God. Step-by-step exercises throughout the book provide concrete examples of how to use the concepts discussed. Armchair Mysticwill prove invaluable to individuals and small groups who are new to contemplative prayer, or who wish to deepen their experience of it. This updated edition includes a new preface and afterword from the author.

MARK E. THIBODEAUX, SJ, is a spiritual director, a retreat director, a high school teacher, and a Jesuit priest. He holds a master of divinity degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, MassachuSetts.