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Armchair Mystic  By  cover art

Armchair Mystic

By: Mark E. Thibodeaux S.J.
Narrated by: Mark E. Thibodeaux S.J.
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Publisher's summary

This user-friendly book blends theory and practice, gently and concretely taking the listener through the first steps of contemplative prayer. Armchair Mystic begins with the necessary details of time and place to pray, then presents the maturation of the prayer life in four stages.

©2001 Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J. (P)2010 St. Anthony Messenger Press

Critic reviews

"Father Thibodeaux presents both the practicalities and the mysteries of prayer with clarity, humor and easy-to-understand examples." ( Catholic Parent)

What listeners say about Armchair Mystic

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

solid presentation

The author gives a nice, actually quite good, framework for approaching basic prayer. Given that the word 'mystic" is in the title, however, I had hoped to hear a more esoteric discussion (along the lines of Thomas Keating for example), and had hoped he would refer more to, and draw from, the teachings of actual mystics to a greater degree.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great introduction!

Would you listen to Armchair Mystic again? Why?

Yes.

What other book might you compare Armchair Mystic to and why?

Practicing the Presence of God for modern day.

Have you listened to any of Mark E. Thibodeaux’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Very pastoral and heartfelt.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions, just a deep sense of longing to be with God.

Any additional comments?

This book dispelled a lot of my preconceived and taught notions about what contemplative prayer and Christian "mystics" were about. I'm sold.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Treatise on Prayer

"My child, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways." (Proverbs 23,26)
Although the emphasis s on Contemplatives Prayer, the book has many sections on prayer in general.
It is not an easy book, neither is it an easy subject!
Father Thibodeaux SJ has developed the theme exceedingly well.
The Illustrative exercises are wonderful.
Glory be to our Lord!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER

This is a wonderful book on the how to engage in contemplative prayer. As a Jesuit, the greatest appeal will be for Christians, but it should also be of interest for those of other faiths, many of who developed a mystic sub group well before Christians. Not surprisingly the author often cites St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, and other contemplatives, such as Merton, DeMello, and others. The reader should keep in mind the contemplative Catholics differ substantially in how they carry out the contemplative life, while still staying true to the religious values of the Church. One important point Thibodeaux emphasizes is that this practice is not intended to make the participant a hermit, but rather it enhances a person's ability to follow God's plan. This book should be of special interest to people who meditate, because it presents a different form. Also students of comparative religion will appreciate the detail provided.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Helpful & practical.Now I get centering prayer!

What did you love best about Armchair Mystic?

the stories that show the deepening of intimacy. It finally helped me understand moving closer to God through prayer and "hanging out" even in silence

Would you recommend Armchair Mystic to your friends? Why or why not?

yes. made it (prayer) understandable and a delightful way to grow

What about Mark E. Thibodeaux’s performance did you like?

I liked his pace and his kindness within the reading. I felt that he wasn't perfect but was understanding the great harvest because he made this practice his own.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

His journey to a solid relationship with his aunt that we can have with others and mainly with God via prayer

Any additional comments?

no. just helpful to me.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Totally enjoyed

The authors voice spoke to my soul...very relaxing. He explained the prayer process perfectly and I wish there was more! I will keep an eye out for another of his books. This was a great listen and a rare one for me to actually finish.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful book!

As someone who has been studying Christian mysticism and practicing contemplative prayer for just over a year now, I really appreciated Fr. Thibodeaux's approach in this book. It's clear and easy to follow, and not intimidating. And I personally adore his voice and the way he reads these pages. Highly recommend for a complete beginner or anyone a little further down the path. You may or may not choose to practice everything the way he suggests but it's all good advice and helpful knowledge.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Accessible and enlightening

Humble while also knowing. The narrator captures well the spirit of the lessons and sharing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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absolutely marvelous!

It felt like a personal retreat with Fr Mark. His kind, understanding voice was as much the content as his written text. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing God better.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Listened to this at night in bed....

have 're-read' it several times, and will continue to.do so until it's part of me

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