Armchair Mystic

Easing into Contemplative Prayer

By: Mark E. Thibodeaux S.J.

Narrated by: Mark E. Thibodeaux S.J.

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

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)

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

Great Read for young Catholics

Recommended by a Jesuit seminarian. I picked up a few things to add to my lrayer life. If you're looking for a deeper understanding for religion or spirituality, this is a great book for that.

Accessible and enlightening

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

Great Book

Even after 7 years of contemplative prayer, this book encouraged me to continue, I learned more about prayer and discovered new insights to transform my prayer life and myself.

Solid and Powerful

What did you love best about Armchair Mystic?

The title can be daunting; however, the subtitle says it all. The book is not only a great introduction into contemplative prayer, it also gives simple and effective exercises while suggesting don't move on until you feel comfortable with this part. It is not a book to rush into or rush through, but a great book to saunter through, taking your time to internalize it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Armchair Mystic?

The illustration of his aunt which was given near the beginning, but was used throughout as an illustration of how we move through the various stages of prayer.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Armchair Mystic?

Several insights not just one: using all forms of prayer as needed.

Any additional comments?

I would suggest this book to anyone who asks about prayer, regardless of their religious or non-religious background. Thibodeaux does a great job relating to all.

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.