An Ocean of Light

“Those already familiar with and appreciative of Laird’s writing will no doubt enjoy this latest installment … creative and poetic, eclectic and woven from disparate sources … this is a good book for adult faith formation and classroom adoption in courses aiming to introduce the lived practice of contemplation.” – Daniel P. Horan, OFM, Horizons”Once again, Martin Laird has given us a book on the contemplative journey that is without verbiage, mystification, or sentimentality, both intensely challenging and enriching, and anchored in realism. His writing on this subject is simply in a different league of seriousness from most other books on ‘spiritual’ practice.” – Rowan Williams, Master, Magdalene College, University of Cambridge”In this his third volume on contemplative prayer, Martin Laird once again combines acute scholarly citations from the contemplative tradition with memorable narratives from his own direction. But this time he plumbs new depths of insight: the section on prayer and depression, in particular, is unique in its wisdom and insight. This is a new modern classic, and will stand the test of time. To be read and savoured again and again.” – Sarah Coakley, Norris-HulseProfessor of Divinity, University of Cambridge”A beautifully written, thoughtful and honest account of what it means to face oneself and our shared world in the silent depths of prayer. And so encouraging! A powerful reminder that the simple, daily, moment-to-moment practice of paying attention can heal and transform, can help bring us closer to God and to one another. The one thing necessary.” – Douglas E. Christie, author of The Blue Sapphire of the Mind”Martin Laird is a gracious host; he presents the rich fare of the Christian contemplative tradition in an authentic twenty-first-century vernacular, and in so doing invites the reader-who could resist such an invitation?-to enter into the banquet of silent and loving communion with the living God.” – Carol Zaleski, Professor of World Religions, Smith College

Martin Laird, O.S.A, is Professor of Early Christian Studies at Villanova University. Laird is the author of several books on Early Christian thought and Christian contemplative life, including Into the Silent Land and A Sunlit Absence. He lectures widely through the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.