#404: How The Absence Of Prayer Brings Chaos And Misery

In this episode of The Patrick Coffin Show, mystical theologian David Torkington discusses the urgent need for a return to prayer in today's fast-paced world in an upsidedown Catholic Church.
 
We’re all screwed up because we have forgotten how to pray.” That’s the basic gist of this conversation with a master of prayer and meditation. Drawing on themes from his new book Passport to Perfection (Essentialist Press) Torkington points out the biblical and apostolic roots of contemplative prayer, while exposing the faux versions so popular today. David, at 85 years young, reflects on his journey as a whistleblowing priest, a role that brought him both challenges and clarity to his priesthood as a Franciscan and as a Catholic. He also opens up about overcoming severe dyslexia, sharing how his condition shaped his spiritual life and the development of his theological insights. His message, delivered in his lovely English country gentleman accent, makes real the ideal of recovered hope and a deepened love for God.

He says the key is to reconnect with God through persistent and authentic prayer. This conversation sheds light on both the struggles and triumphs that have defined Torkington’s unique spiritual path, making his story both moving and practical: the way of the saints. 

Topics covered in this episode:

David’s earliest memories of wanting to pray
His decades-long suffering with severe and undiagnosed dyslexia
His call to the priesthood as a Franciscan
The punishment that ensued when he blew the whistle on priests and superiors who were living perverse double lives
Precisely what’s wrong with “centering prayer” and why the writings of Thomas Merton are suspect
The many examples of God asking impossible things in the New Testament
His free online course on prayer

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Website of David Torkington’s work www.essentialistpress.com
His website www.davidtorkington.com