Brother Max Thurian was the ecumenical Taize community's sub-prior and resident theologian until his death in 1996. Invited with co-founder of Taize Brother Roger to be an observer at the Vatican II Council, he was later - in somewhat secretive and controversial circumstances - ordained as a Catholic priest. [1]

The unique attribute of this book on prayer is that it was written by a contemplative who nevertheless understands the value of 'busy prayer' - the only praying many working people have time for. It's simply written ('simplicity the other side of complexity') and is filled with commonsense.

Here are half a dozen items/insights I jotted down to ponder on:

* Paul draws for metaphors [from the Isthmian Games at Corinth] to describe the Christian life of self-discipline... In these games daily rivalries and differences of class and party were forgotten, and were replaced by political and religious unity. A truce was proclaimed between enemies; and if war was actually raging, it was possible to cross the enemies' lines. All alike came under the control of a natural and human eagerness for the glory of their respective champions. Personal and national ambitions were forgotten; all attention was concentrated on the race and winning-post (p. 21)

* It is our job to run with single-minded concentration on the goal. How much time we waste in looking at ourselves... or paying attention to the reactions of the crowd... We can only win if we concentrate on the goal... where Jesus Christ awaits us... This means saying no to selfishness, to pride, to sensitiveness, to all the vanity of self-regard (p. 22)

* [Whereas many writers about prayer regard Mary as an example of a contemplative, and Martha as a 'worker' - and often comment 'Remember Mary and Martha are sisters', meaning both should be wedded in a spiritually fulfilling life - Max Thurian offers another lesson from their story]. 'The contrast which Christ is really drawing is between a troubled, careful, anxious attitude and simplicity and peace of mind. Martha's work is useful and necessary... but she lives in a constant state of anxiety... What Christ is criticizing is not her work but her agitation' (p. 27)

* In Old Testament times the high priest wore a breastplate when he entered the inmost sanctuary; it was adorned with twelve engraved precious stones; on each was the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel... In Holy Communion Christ carries with him the whole Church... the whole of the new Israel is lifted up in the presence of the Father... all the names of the children of God are, as it were, engraved on thousands of precious stones, lifted up in loving intercession before the eyes of God (pp. 42-43)

* There is a mystery... [in that] some prayers offered in the name of Christ apparently receive no answer; but the truth of the matter is that we do not perceive the answers; for what God has done has been to give ear to the general desire of the faithful expressed in prayer, rather than to give an answer related to the particular petitions offered up by one individual. A prayer which seems to have gone unanswered has in fact received its answer in the blessing poured out by God on the whole Christian community; for the concern of God is for the greatest good of all, and not simply for the happiness of an individual (p. 46)

* St Francis said to Leo, when speaking of persecution, 'If we endure all these things with patience and joy, thinking of the sufferings of the blessed Christ, which is what we are called to share for love of him, write that, when all is said, this is perfect joy' (p. 54).

[1] http://www.sspxasia.com/Documents/SiSiNoNo/1994_December/Max_Thurian_ Is_he_Truly_Catholic.htm

Rowland Croucher July 2009.