La prière continuelle au XVIIe siècle

Book Description

How can believers truly "pray without ceasing" as Scripture commands? This scholarly exploration delves into the profound spiritual challenge that captivated seventeenth-century Christian thinkers and practitioners.

Drawing from biblical injunctions to "always pray" and "pray continually," this work examines how Catholic reformers after the Council of Trent grappled with the seemingly impossible task of uninterrupted prayer. The author presents a rich collection of studies and historical sources that reveal the diverse approaches developed during this pivotal century.

The quest for perpetual prayer sparked intense theological debates that touched on fundamental questions of human freedom, individual versus communal worship, and the role of spiritual practice in society. These discussions emerged at the intersection of biblical interpretation, liturgical tradition, and mystical experience, creating a dynamic tension between ancient spiritual wisdom and the demands of an evolving modern world.

For contemporary readers seeking to deepen their prayer life, this historical investigation offers valuable insights into how earlier generations of believers wrestled with the same spiritual aspirations that challenge us today. The book illuminates how the pursuit of continuous prayer became a defining characteristic of reformed Catholicism, shaping both doctrine and practice in ways that continue to influence Christian spirituality.

Through careful examination of seventeenth-century sources, readers discover how the ideal of unceasing prayer remained both an inspiring goal and a practical puzzle for serious spiritual seekers.