You may think that only nuns living in cloistered convents have the time or inclination for contemplative prayer. But many Christian laymen feel called to this traditional Catholic practice. "The Lay Contemplative," a short but inspiring collection of essays, will be a welcome aid to those lay people--be they busy moms juggling a job and soccer practice or college students trying to integrate spiritual discipline into their lives. Want to pray daily, but can't seem to sit down and do it? Stuck in a spiritual dry spell where reaching the Pope on the phone seems more likely than getting a hold of God? "The Lay Contemplative" has tips. Perhaps even more useful than the introductory essays is the list of centers around the country that guide experts and beginners in the contemplative life. And though "The Lay Contemplative" focuses primarily on Catholic practices, it will be valuable to any Christian drawn to contemplative prayer.