Do you feel overwhelmed by the external pressures of too much information, too many conflicting voices and too much media noise? You are not alone. These influences invade our personal space and erode our sense of inner peace and well-being.

This book will help you discover your inner sacred self. The breathing exercises, poems, prayers and reflections offered by Ian Kilgour will re-connect you with the Divine Presence, the source of your life and all that is.

Praise for Finding Your Sacred Self

"Ian Kilgour draws from a deep well of mystical wisdom. He writes with the practical expertise of someone who has honed their pastoral craft over many years. The prayers and advice have been road tested, making them imminently useful and usable.

The book has been written as a companion guide for the spiritual journey of becoming human. In a gentle manner, Kilgour invites his readers into the contemplative ways of Solitude, Stillness, Silence, and Simplicity. His reflections integrate theology, biblical reflection, contemplative practice and pastoral counsel. The book also includes a tool-kit of prayers and other pastoral helps for a wide range of situations.

This book is for anyone who is interested in deepening their contemplative prayer life. It is also for those in ministry and other pastoral professions, who are looking for practical tools to enhance their pastoral practice. Every church foyer should have one of these on display!"

Rev Dr Jordan Redding, Presbyterian Minister in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

About the author

Ian Kilgour is a Salvation Army Officer and Christian minister with wide experience in pastoral care and the very human issues we all struggle with. Now retired he remains actively involved in church, chaplaincy, community, and social justice issues.

Ian believes that everyone has the capacity to find meaning in life and to deepen their spirituality by knowing their inner sacred self and enjoying intimate relationship with the Transcendent Source of all life. He has an inclusive understanding of life in which everyone and everything is interconnected, belongs and is of immense value.

Ian dedicates this book to those to whom he has had the privilege of offering pastoral care and who taught him so much.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Ways to use the name 'God'

Types of meditation and contemplation

Part One

Making space for meditation and contemplation

A 'Prayer of Preparation'

The Way of Solitude

The Way of Stillness

The Way of Simplicity

Reflecting on the benefits of solitude, stillness, silence and simplicity

A simplified summary

Concluding Prayers

Part Two

Pastoral Helps

Pastoral Help 1'Peace be still'

Pastoral Help 2 'I have faith & trust'

Pastoral Help 3 'An invitation to come'

Pastoral Help 4 'A walk in nature'

Pastoral Help 5 'The Water of Life'

Pastoral Help 6 'The Bread of Life'

Pastoral Help 7 'Resting in God'

Pastoral Help 8 'Be still in God'

Pastoral Help 9 'Divine abidings'

The four divine abidings & meditations

Pastoral Help 10 'Belonging in Oneness'

Pastoral Help 11 'Interactive Scripture reading'

The method of meditation using 'reflective reading'

Example 1: 'Choosing the better part'

Example 2: 'Coping with the fevers of life'

Example 3: 'On board with Jesus'

Pastoral Help 12 'A meditation using music'

Benediction