John Dear has long been an active presence and participant in the ecumenical peace movement, the spiritual life and discovering/maintaining the inner spiritual life.

Contemplation + action. These are the two dynamics, exploring the meaning and moving, in and through this exploration, into the action of sharing and serving.

Here it starts. "Every morning, I take time to sit in the silence of the present moment, in the peace of God. I breathe in the spirit of peace. I return to the deep inner peace which is the heart of the spiritual life. I imagine sitting beside God. I listen for God's word of peace, that invitation to share in a life of love."

This book captures today's spiritual hunger and longing in a directive and self-directed way.

The Rev. Dr. Richard B. Gilbert, The World Pastoral Care Center