
Prayers and Meditations on the Life of Christ
Enriched edition. Religious Treatise Concerning Life, Passion and ResurrectionBy Thomas à KempisLength11h 26m
About this audiobook
In "Prayers and Meditations on the Life of Christ," Thomas à Kempis presents a profound exploration of Christian spirituality through a reflective lens, drawing deeply on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Written in a devotional style characterized by its simplicity and earnestness, the text is a rich tapestry of prayer, contemplation, and meditative insights. Set against the backdrop of medieval spirituality, this work invites readers to engage in personal introspection and foster a closer relationship with the divine, emphasizing humility, devotion, and the transformative power of prayer. Thomas à Kempis, a prominent figure in the devotio moderna movement, crafted this work as part of a broader tradition that sought to bring lay Christians into direct experience of God through personal reflection and piety. Having lived much of his life in the quiet confines of the Augustinian community, his own spiritual journey was marked by a desire to transcend mere theological knowledge and cultivate genuine faith. His unique perspective, steeped in the contemplative practices of his time, informs the deeply personal yet universally relevant prayers found within this text. This timeless work is highly recommended for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian devotion and explore the richness of a life anchored in prayer. À Kempis's insights resonate across centuries, offering wisdom that remains relevant to modern seekers of faith. Readers are encouraged to immerse themselves in these meditations, allowing the text to nurture their spiritual journey and inspire a more profound connection with Christ.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length11 hrs 26 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 26, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
52Chapter XIX. Of the Wounds of Jesus, and the shedding of His precious Blood
2Introduction
53Chapter XX. Of the tender pleading of Jesus for His enemies
3Synopsis
54Chapter XXI. Of the plundering, and the sharing of the garments of Christ
4Historical Context
55Chapter XXII. Of the revilings of the Jews, and the strong perseverance of Jesus on the Cross
5Author Biography
56Chapter XXIII. Of the Word spoken on the Cross to the thief
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6Introduction
57Chapter XXIV. Of the illustrious title of the Name of Jesus set up above His Head upon the Cross
7TREATISE I
58Chapter XXV. Of the suffering of the Lord with His Mother's grief and His commendation the one to the other of Blessed Mary and St. John
8Preface
59Chapter XXVI. Of the transcendent virtues of the Blessed Virgin, and of her grief and tears
9Chapter I. Devout thanksgivings for the whole Life of Jesus Christ, the Mediator between God and man: and firstly a prayer arousing the soul to the praise of God
60Chapter XXVII. Of the lonely dereliction of the Lord Jesus on the Cross
10Chapter II. A Prayer concerning the creation of the first man, and his unhappy fall
61Chapter XXVIII. Of the thirst of the Lord Jesus as He hung upon the Cross
11Chapter III. Of the reinstatement of man, and the promise of Christ's coming
62Chapter XXIX. Of the fulfilment of the Scriptures in the death of Christ; and of the Word " It is finished."
12Chapter IV. Of the redemption of the human race by the mystery of the Incarnate Word
63Chapter XXX. Of the woeful departure from this world of the Lord Jesus
13Chapter V. Of the birth and poverty of the Lord Jesus
64Chapter XXXI. Of the wan and piteous appearance of Jesus, when on His Soul leaving His Body, evident signs of death showed themselves in Him
14Chapter VI. Of the hardships and want of Jesus in His low estate
65Chapter XXXII. Of the cruel piercing of the most sacred Side of the Lord Jesus after His death
15Chapter VII. Of the crying of the Infant Jesus
66Chapter XXXIII. The taking down of the Lord Jesus from the Cross
16Chapter VIII. Of the suckling of the hungry Jesus
67Chapter XXXIV. Prayers to the several parts of Christ's Body: and first to His Feet
17Chapter IX. Of the painful Circumcision of the Lord Jesus
68Chapter XXXV. Of the adorable Burial of the Lord Jesus
18Chapter X. Of the bestowal of the Saving Name of Jesus
69TREATISE II
19Chapter XI. Of the Epiphany of Jesus, and the devout oblation of the Holy Kings
70Chapter I. Of the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the Cross, His triumph over death, and His most joyful Resurrection from the grave
20Chapter XII. Of the Purification of Blessed Mary and the Presentation of Jesus
71Chapter II. Of the devout visitation of the Holy Sepulchre of our Lord Jesus Christ
21Chapter XIII. Of the persecution of Jesus, and His flight into Egypt
72Chapter III. Of the appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene in the form of a gardener
22Chapter XIV. Of the Holy Innocents, put to death by Herod for the Name of Jesus
73Chapter IV. Of the great merits, and privileges of grace, of blessed Mary Magdalene
23Chapter XV. Of the finding of Jesus in the Temple
74Chapter V. Of holy Mary Magdalene s great sorrow of heart at the Passion of the Lord
24Chapter XVI. Of the holy and hidden life of the lowly Jesus
75Chapter VI. Of the joyful and loving appearance of Christ to His Mother when she had withdrawn to her secret chamber
25Chapter XVII. Of the Baptism of Jesus, and our sanctification in its waters
76Chapter VII. Of the appearance of Christ to St Peter in secret; and of St. Peter's running with St. John to the Sepulchre
26Chapter XVIII. Of the fasting, and the temptations, of the all-unconquered Jesus
77Chapter VIII. A prayer for obtaining from God the grace of tears
27Chapter XIX. Of the holy preachings and the saving Doctrine of Jesus
78Chapter IX. Of the profit and grace of holy tears
28Chapter XX. Of the glorious miracles, and the kindness and goodness of Jesus
79Chapter X. Of the tears of Jesus over Lazarus
29Chapter XXI. Of the Example, and the Holy Life, of Jesus, and His tribulations in the world
80Chapter XI. Of the appearance of Christ, in the form of a Stranger, to the two disciples going to Emmaus
30Chapter XXII. Of the Feast of Palms, and the lowly entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
81Chapter XII. Of the recognition of Christ in the breaking of bread
31Chapter XXIII. Of the Lord's Supper, in which, after partaking of the Paschal Lamb, Christ Jesus instituted the Sacrament of His Own Body and Blood
82Chapter XIII. Of the appearance of Christ to the disciples in Jerusalem when it was late, and the doors were shut
32Chapter XXIV. Of the Washing of the feet, and the sacred discourse of Jesus, at the Supper
83Chapter XIV. Of the appearance of Christ, on the octave of Easter, when St. Thomas the Apostle was present
33PART II. OF THE PASSION OF CHRIST, ACCORDING TO THE FOUR EVANGELISTS
84Chapter XV. Of the touching of the sacred Wounds of Christ by the hand of St. Thomas the Apostle
34Chapter I. Of the selling of Jesus by the perfidious traitor Judas
85Chapter XVI. A prayer concerning the five sacred Wounds of Jesus Christ
35Chapter II. Of the sadness and dread which Jesus endured for our sakes
86Chapter XVII. Of the Armorial bearings of Christ, the Cross, the Nails, the Spear, and the Crown of Thorns
36Chapter III. The thrice-repeated prayer, the prostration before the Father of the Lord Jesus, and the resignation by Him of His Own Will
87Chapter XVIII. Of the appearance of Christ to the seven disciples as they were fishing in the Sea of Tiberias
37Chapter IV. How the Lord Jesus went to meet His betrayer
88Chapter XIX. Of the meal taken by Christ with those same disciples of His
38Chapter V. The fell seizure and leading away of the Lord Jesus
89Chapter XX. Of the sweet converse of Jesus with St. Peter and St. John the Apostle about loving Him
39Chapter VI. The forsaking of the Lord Jesus, and the flight of the Apostles
90Chapter XXI. Of the appearance of Christ to the eleven disciples on Mount Thabor in Galilee
40Chapter VII. The arraignment of the Lord Jesus before Annas, the Priest
91PART II. OF THE ASCENSION, OF PENTECOST, AND OF CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
41Chapter VIII. Of Blessed Peter, the Apostle's, thrice-repeated denial
92Chapter I. Of the Ascension of the Lord, and of His last appearance
42Chapter IX. The leading away of the Lord Jesus from Annas to Caiaphas the Priest, and the Lord's standing before him
93Chapter II. Of the appearance of Angels in white garments
43Chapter X. The insults, the mockings, and the smitings of the Head, of the Lord Jesus
94Chapter III. Of the sending of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Christ at the Feast of Pentecost
44Chapter XI. The arraignment and the standing, of the Lord Jesus before Pilate
95Chapter IV. A Prayer of thanksgiving to Christ for His Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, and Mission of the Holy Ghost with a fuller bestowal of gifts
45Chapter XII. How the Lord Jesus was set at nought by Herod
96Chapter V. Prayer concerning the gifts of the Holy Ghost against divers diseases of the soul
46Chapter XIII. Concerning the savage clamour of the Jews,— Away with Him! Crucify Him!
97Chapter VI. A prayer concerning the cheerful praise of the Angels in Heaven, and for obtaining the grace of devotion in the Divine Office
47Chapter XIV. The stripping naked, the binding to the pillar, and the scourging of the Lord Jesus
98Chapter VII. Of the preaching of the Apostles, and the spreading of the most Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world, for the Salvation of men
48Chapter XV. Of the stripping the mocking the crowning, and the smiting of the Head, of the Lord Jesus
99Analysis
49Chapter XVI. Of the unjust condemnation of Jesus to death
100Reflection
50Chapter XVII. Of the bearing by Jesus of His Cross, and His being led forth to the place which was called Calvary
101Memorable Quotes
51Chapter XVIII. Of the Crucifixion, naked, of the Lord Jesus and of His hanging for many long hours aloft upon the Cross