6 min
Meditation
The I Love You Prayer
A five-minute guided prayer, the shortest thing he teaches.
About the teacher
James Finley
James Finley spent time as a young monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani under the guidance of Thomas Merton before leaving monastic life to become a clinical psychologist, an unusual combination that shapes his current teaching on Christian mysticism as both a spiritual and psychological path. He now teaches as core faculty at the Center for Action and Contemplation.
He hosts the podcast Turning to the Mystics, currently in its thirteenth season, with new episodes on Thérèse of Lisieux running through mid-2026, alongside occasional interviews and CAC-affiliated retreats.
“The most important things of life are often the things we can't explain to anybody, including ourselves.”James Finley
Upcoming events
Meet James Finley in person.
Talks, day programmes and retreats currently listed in the Paths Are Many calendar.
Talks & videos
Watch before you attend.
Short introductions and longer conversations, to hear this teacher in their own words.
52 min
Talk
Finding Refuge in the Interior Space
A psychologist who was once a Trappist on where to stand when things come apart.
42 min
Talk
Non-Dual Consciousness in Daily Life (Part One) — James Finley
Finley on bringing non-dual, contemplative awareness into ordinary daily life.
84 min
Talk
A Happy Run Downward With James Finley
A contemplative reflection drawing on Finley's training with Thomas Merton.
Path
The wider context.
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Prayer & contemplation
Christian mysticism
Silence, prayer and direct experience within the mystical traditions of Christianity.
Explore the path →
