Through Peter’s kindness and willingness to share his experiences and knowledge with James, we all get the benefit of Peter’s Wisdom from the Western Isles. The story is set in Torkington’s native England, thus the reference to the Western Isles.
Peter Calvay teaches us how to pray, and why we should pray daily. One of my favorite lines states, “Prayer is a process of continual inner conversion that involves gently trying to turn, open and surrender the heart to God” (p. 162). I find this one sentence sums up the entire essence of what Torkington tries to convey between the intellectual exchanges of Peter and James.
This book was a joy to read, and I believe it helped me in my own life. Some nights I found it hard to sleep. I learned a technique for falling asleep from Torkington. He suggested saying a repetitive prayer, focused on Jesus. So, on those nights when I could not fall asleep, I said the Jesus Prayer repetitively. Folks – it works! Connecting with God, through the use of the Jesus Prayer, sends me right back to sleep. No more insomnia for me. Thank you David Torkington!
As you read Wisdom from the Western Isles, you will most likely pick up a different golden nugget, more pertinent to your life. Therefore, I guarantee that you will find much “gold” within the pages of Wisdom from the Western Isles. If you would like to get your copy, click here.
Thanks for linking up with An Open Book! How wonderful that the Jesus prayer is giving you rest. I say it before falling asleep each night – but just once. I’ll keep in mind repeating it if necessary!
Praying the Jesus Prayer not only before going to sleep but at any time during the day is an ancient practice in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Using a chotki, a knotted prayer rope, you repeat the Jesus Prayer whenever possible until it becomes the Prayer of the Heart. This means that your heart will pray it for you even while your mind is busy elsewhere. This is the way to “pray without ceasing” St. Paul talks about. The book “The Way Of A Pilgrim” by anonymous talks about this beautifully.
Christine: Thanks for sharing this info with everyone! Much appreciated. Also as an FYI, you are now entered in a contest to win a copy of my children’s book, by virtue of your making this comment. The drawing is set for March 1st.
Thank you , Virginia and thank you for your Virtue’s Guide. I will add it to my Lenten list.
You’re very welcome, Christine! I hope you find the guide helpful.