Masterfully written and intensely enlightening, Franciscan Prayer could very well be considered the essential handbook for all those seeking to pray and live the Franciscan way. With exquisite execution, Franciscan theologian Ilia Delio clearly outlines what it means to pray as a Franciscan. Through her experience as a discalced Carmelite nun and then her transformation into Franciscan scholar, Sister Delio brings to light the contemplative, cosmic and evangelizing aspects of Franciscan prayer. Everyone, says Delio, seems to know about Francis life, his miracles, his devotion to evangelization and his dedication to living a simple and humble life, yet few know about his prayer life, which seemed, over the centuries, to get lost in the paper shuffle between theologians, followers and historical biographers. It is through Clare of Assisi, Delio asserts, that we have insights into the Franciscan path of prayer. [Clare] provides the road-map of prayer for evangelical lifeshe was able to do this because she lived under monastic rule while ardently desiring evangelical life. Through Clares letters and actions, we find the rudiments of Franciscan prayer: GazeConsiderContemplateImitate. Delio also uses the insights of Saint Bonaventure as well as Saint Francis to fully show the meaning and purpose of prayer in the Franciscan tradition.
