To Dare the Our Father

John (Jack) Shea is a consultant with decades of experience in providing theological and formation services to parishes and faith-based organizations. He has published over twenty books of theology and spirituality (including Liturgical Press’s popular Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels series), three novels, and three books of poetry. He lectures nationally and internationally on storytelling in world religions, faith-based health care, contemporary spirituality, and the spirit work movement. Visit jackshea.org to learn more.

• ContentsPrefaceA Personal Preface   icChapter OnePraying Someone Else’s Prayer: A Meditation Text   1Chapter TwoSeven Challenges of Transformative Spiritual Practices   9Chapter ThreeSeven Challenges of Praying the Our Father   25Chapter FourThe Identity of the Ones Praying   54Chapter FiveThe Mission of the Ones Praying   91Chapter SixThe Strategies of the Ones Praying   119Chapter SevenTransformations and the Emergence of Spirit   146Notes   153

This meditation on the Our Father is vintage Shea: theologically astute, spiritually alert, deeply attuned to the needs and aspirations of the human heart. Anyone interested in cultivating a more intentional relationship to God should read this book.Bishop Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles