Everything Belongs:
The Gift of Contemplative Prayer
By Richard Rohr
Reviewed: May 2007

This is one of those books I wish I was wise enough to have written: clear, concise, and compassionate. It also causes the reader to stop, think, and reflect every so often; though small and relatively short (123 pages) it would be best to digest this book in bit-size pieces.

Richard Rohr is a Franciscan monk, who talks like a real person who understands the real world, not the isolated and somewhat myopic world of organized religion. In this compilation of a series he conducted, I felt as though I was sitting at the feet of a great teacher, just listening to him talk. It’s easy to read; rather like truffles, though – don’t want to eat too many in one sitting.

He comes from the premise that divinity exists everywhere and in all things, hence the title, Everything Belongs. That includes what you might call the “bad stuff.” I am very glad to have read it, in the light of the aftermath of the tragic Virginia Tech shootings two weeks ago. This is the kind of book that can help people find surer footing in a world where these horrendous events are occurring.

His reflections on the nature of prayer, and the power inherent to understanding and utilizing this active communication with and connection to the Divine, invited me to look deeper than the apparent surface resonance I felt with his opinions and attitudes, especially toward church dogma, internal politics and fundamental radicalism. Beyond their respective challenges and limitations exist opportunities for deeper acceptance, tolerance and understanding. Richard’s writing demonstrates all three in the midst of his human imperfections. Again, everything belongs in God’s perfect world, even the imperfections. Even the tragedies.

Everything Belongs - and Richard Rohr - ranks right up there with Thich Nhat Hahn’s Peace is Every Step. It’s simple, honest, and to the point, stretching the reader to come back to basics wearing “new eyes.”

Sort of like spiritual Visine.

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