Litanies of the Heart - Christian Meditation and Psychology Healing

Jul 30, 2026

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Litanies of the Heart presents an integrative path to inner healing that links Christian meditation with psychology. The book explores the human condition through the lens of “parts” that feel at war, guiding readers in self-state work that grows loving compassion and wholeness. It frames trauma recovery through a Catholic theological foundation, offering insight into Scriptural reflection, mercy, and reconnection. It is designed for individuals on healing journeys and professionals seeking a Christian-adapted approach to therapy models.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages272

Reading Time11 h 25 min

AccessFree to download

Foreword and Praise

Integration of Christian Meditation and Psychology

Trauma Healing and the “Parts” Model

Catholic Theology and Scripture Reflections

Self-State Work, Wholeness, and Compassion

Praise for Litanies of the Heart “Litanies of the Heart provides innovative approaches linking Christian meditation and psychology that will help the broken find comfort, consolation, and healing for their wounds.” —Matt Fradd Creator and host of the Pints with Aquinas podcast and author of multiple books, including Does God Exist? A Socratic Dialogue on the Five Ways of Thomas Aquinas “In Litanies of the Heart, Dr. Gerry Crete offers us a treasure trove of wisdom and pathways of healing. He provides several books in one: an expert teaching on psychology; a deep reflection on Scripture through the lenses of psychology and Catholic theology; and a compassionate way of discovery, understanding, and healing for our hearts. I was repeatedly moved to tears while I read the poignant stories of suffering that also shone a light on my own heart. I was moved to hope for deeper healing and integration, and I kept thinking of various people with whom I am excited to share this book. It is not a quick read—it is an in-depth exploration, a real journey into our hearts. Dr. Crete isan expert guide for this journey. He has a rich integration of Catholic faith and complex psychological models gained through prayer, study, extensive personal experience, and extensive therapeutic experience. He generously shares that lifelong integration with us in this masterpiece.” —Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. Monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey and director of Spiritual Formation and the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary; co-author of Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father ’s Love “Litanies of the Heart is an incredible integration of cutting-edge psychotherapeutic approaches with orthodox Catholic theology and practice. I especially enjoyed reading about the different conditions of our wounded and frightened hearts brought into the light of God’s merciful love and following that by praying Litanies of the Wounded, Closed, and Fearful Hearts. This book will lead you on a lifelong journey of “re-collection” —gathering all the divided, sinful, and traumatized parts of your heart into wholeness and communion with God. I highly recommend it for everyone who desires to embark on this journey of healing and for those who assist in this journey.” —Bob Schuchts, Ph.D. Founder of the John Paul II Healing Center in Tallahassee, Florida, and author of Be Healed, Be Transformed, Be Devoted, and Be Restored “This beautiful book needs to be in the hands of every Christian on a journey of healing and those involved in trauma recovery work! Dr. Crete has written a book that has finally brought needed clarity to the Internal Family Systems model for Christians. As a wounded healer myself, I found that the Litanies of the Heart finally gave parts of me the language to call out to my Beloved Father in gentleness and trust.” —Shannon Mullen, Ph.D., CSAT-S Licensed psychologist, level-2 trained IFS therapist, and founder of Mosaic Psychological Services“On a foundation of the Holy Trinity as three-in-one, Dr. Crete walks the reader through the human condition of parts of self at war with each other, in response to adversity or trauma. He guides us through self-state work, enlivened by an ever more intimate relationship with the Most High, to resolve these inner conflicts and to increase loving compassion for self. Why should we settle for merely secular parts work when divinely inspired parts work is so accessible?” —Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D. Clinical psychologist and author of When There Are No Words: Repairing Early Trauma and Neglect in the Attachment Period and Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma and Dissociation: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients “St. Paul, St. Augustine, and many other profound spiritual doctors have vividly described the disordered state of the soul, with its parts in conflict. In this fascinating book, Gerry Crete draws from the insights of contemporary parts-work therapy, v

FAQs

What core idea does Litanies of the Heart connect between Christian meditation and psychology?

It links Christian meditation with psychological approaches to help people find comfort, consolation, and healing for emotional wounds and trauma.

Which psychological concepts and therapy models does the book integrate within a Christian framework?

It emphasizes “parts work,” highlighting Internal Family Systems and ego-state related concepts, tailored for the Christian community and informed by Catholic understanding of the person.

How does the book describe the process of healing from inner conflict?

It guides readers through self-state work to resolve inner conflicts, gather divided parts into wholeness, and increase loving compassion grounded in a deeper relationship with God.

Jul 30, 2026

Upload by Aria