Thursday evenings July 2, 9, 16, 23

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm On Zoom

This course lays the groundwork of Christian prayer and worship by examining the concepts of wonder and leisure in relation to both philosophy and the theology of prayer. A philosophical description of celebration and divine worship is followed by a closer look at the nature of prayer, contemplation, and growth in the spiritual life.

Not required but Suggested Donation -$40.00 Per Student

Join Zoom Meeting through the Calendar

Download the Course Description

Required Books

Josef Pieper, Leisure The Basis of Culture, Gerald Malsbary, Translator (South Bend, IN: St. Augustine’s Press, 1998).:

• Any edition of Leisure, The Basis of Culture is fine. It is available for $17.66 here: https://www.amazon.com/Leisure-Basis-Culture-Josef-Pieper/dp/1586172565

• Leisure, The Basis of Culture is available for free download here: https://tsony.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/leisure_the_basis_of_culture.pdf

John A. Hardon, S.J., Theology of Prayer (Bardstown, KY: Eternal Life, 2000).

• Theology of Prayer is available for $6.95 here: https://hardonsj.org/theology-of-prayer/

Course Readings by Week

Week One

Stepping Beyond the Workday World

Josef Pieper, The Philosophical Act

Week Two

The Necessity of Leisure for Life: Celebration and Divine Worship

Josef Pieper, Leisure, The Basis of Culture

Week Three

What is Prayer?

John A. Hardon, S.J., Theology of Prayer (first half, through “Mental Prayer is for Everyone”)

Week Four

Prayer, Divine Worship and the Mystery of Suffering

John A. Hardon, S.J., Theology of Prayer (rest of the book)

Download the Course Description – Recommended Books