To listen to all 15 of the talks on prayer, please go to the Essentialist Press website
Episode 1: Contemplation and the fruits of Contemplation (full episode)
Some time ago the Founder of Essentialist Press came across the website and works of David Torkington, a renowned (and properly titled) ‘Mystical Theologian’. With a love and fascination of the spiritual life found in the Early Church, he was so impressed by David’s teaching on prayer, meditation and contemplation that he knew it was imperative to find his findings with others. Knowing that it is prayer, more than anything else, needed in the Church today, David was asked to produce a series entitled ‘Prayer to Contemplation’ with which to inaugurate the new multi-media Publishing House Essentialist Press. While always deeply prepared for each session, it should be noted that David speaks at all times without notes and from the heart. We believe the gift of truth and hope he brings comes directly from the Holy Spirit. At the same time, because David is speaking in such an organic manner, he (and we) ask for your indulgence if he makes a few small unintentional verbal slips and omissions.
Dear David – I was blessed to listen to your talk with the beautiful child of God – Robert Nugent. It truly was a wonderful conversation that you both had. This is where I have learned of this series on Prayer. I am so grateful to know about this course which I am starting with today – Jan. 15 2026. I know hearing about this series on prayer is a gift from the Holy Spirit. (God is so very good). May one day you and all your digital friends meet in our heavenly home. With much gratitude and love, Mrs Laura Smith, Toronto
Dear Laura,
Thank you for your encouragement and kind remarks. Did you know that I did a Lenten retreat last year that is on my Metanoia website? https://metanoia.org.uk/lost-art-of-prayer-video/
This is on my podcast website https://metanoia.org.uk/
May God bless you always and we may indeed meet one day in our heavenly home.
David
I had a dream at the beginning of Lent, what I remember was going down under water and being taken deeper. I knew right away it was about going deeper in my faith. I prayed “God teach me to pray”. And then I found you on the Henry Westen show for Lent. I can’t tell you how very excited I am for myself and my husband, as we are listening to you about Prayer.
I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1973 after my mother died and I began the daily rosary. I couldnt stop talking about Jesus.
I have been talking about Him since then, but now, because of what we are learning, I am experiencing another very deep step
in my walk with Him. I find myself on the verge of deep joy, sorrow, amazing grace, flying, very hard to express. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I will be in touch again, ordered your book, Passport. God bless you, Lin
May Godbless your journey. Lin,
David
David, I’m doing the Lenten Retreat with John Westen and you. This is an answer to my longing to understand the loving zeal of early Christians. Mystical theology and you are my answers. Thank you for sharing these holy gifts from God with us. God bless you in your travels.
Thank you Nancy for your encouragement.
David
Yes, nice talk on JHW. “Wisdom from the Christian Mystics: How to Pray the Christian Way” ought to be here by Dec 21st! Enjoy the Advent Season!
Thank you and God bless Kurt
David
I saw your appearance of the John Henry Westen Show. You are a God- send! For years I have been searching for The Way, if you understand what I mean to become deeply spiritual. I have read Brother Lawrence’s “Practice of the Presence of God”, “ Manual for Interior Souls” by Father Jean Grou, “ Philothea, an Introduction to the Devout Lifeby St Francis De Sales, “Three Fundamentals of the Interior Life” by Mortimer Mescalero, S. J ., The Interior Life Simplified by Very Rev. Father Joseph Tissot, “The School of Christian Perfection” by St Alphonsus Liguria, “ The Ladder of Jacob” by Rev Casimir A Delmat. All of these to no avail!! I simply could not grasp them and even feared that some of the methods left me in a sense of fear that I would fall into the sin of presumption, if you can understand what I mean. Could it be that simple? Praise God for your coming forth at this time and graciously sharing all you have learned!! I immediately signed up and consumed all 10 presentations!! I’m thirsty for more. Your delivery is wonderful!! I only wish you narrated your book so that I could hear YOU tell the story! May God bless you abundantly and I am eagerly awaiting your next video. BTW I am already practicing what you have laid out thus far.
Dear Elaine,
Thank you for your kind words and your faithfullness The most important journey we will ever make is in, with and through Christ. We journey together within the mystical body of Christ. God bless you always,
David
I listened on John Westin show…so inspiring..thankyou
Thank you for your comment Donna. God bless you