Learning to pray : a guide for everyone

Title:

Author:

Martin, James, 1960- author.

Summary:

In The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Father James Martin included a chapter on communicating with God. Now, he expands those thoughts in this profound and practical handbook. Learning to Pray explains what prayer is, what to expect from praying, how to do it, and how it can transform us when we make it a regular practice in our lives. A trusted guide walking beside us as we navigate our unique spiritual paths, Martin lays out the different styles and traditions of prayer throughout Christian history and invites us to experiment and discover which works best to feed our soul and build intimacy with our Creator. Father Martin makes clear there is not one secret formula for praying. But like any relationship, each person can discover the best style for building an intimate relationship with God, regardless of religion or denomination. Prayer, he teaches us, is open and accessible to anyone willing to open their heart.

Edition:

First edition.

Contents:

Everyone can pray : an introduction -- Walking to school : childhood prayer -- Why pray? : some common reasons -- Praying without knowing it : nine types of prayer you may be unaware of -- What is prayer? : a few definitions and insights -- Beginning a friendship with God : Father Barry's insight -- Everyone needs help : petitionary prayer -- Now I lay me down to sleep : rote and other formal prayers -- I am here : the daily examen -- What happens when you pray? : emotions, insights, memories, desires, images, words, feelings, and mystical experiences -- How do I know it's God? : discerning God's voice -- The gift of imagination : Ignatian contemplation -- Praying with sacred texts : lectio divina -- Finding God at the center : centering prayer -- Discovering God in creation : nature prayer -- Talking about prayer : spiritual direction, retreats, faith sharing, and journaling -- Topics in prayer : distractions, dryness, expectations, and the overall ups and downs of the spiritual life -- Now what? : moving from prayer to action.

Physical Description:

xii, 386 pages ; 24 cm

Genre:

Self-help publications.

Subject Term:

Prayer -- Christianity.

Prayers.

Christian life -- Catholic authors.

Spiritual life -- Catholic Church.

Publisher:

HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers,

Publication Date:

2021

ISBN:

9780062643230

Publication Information:

New York, NY : HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2021]

Call Number:

248.32 MARTIN

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003487280	Adult Nonfiction	248.32 MARTIN	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"A smart, wise, often side-splittingly funny master class in seeking God. Any spiritual seeker--from atheist to professional religious--will cherish this bravura tome from one of our great spiritual guides, in the lineage of C. S. Lewis, Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Gandhi, and Mother Teresa. Hallelujah & amen!"--Mary Karr, author of Lit and The Liar's Club

One of America's most beloved spiritual leaders and the New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage teaches anyone to converse with God in this comprehensive guide to prayer.

A trusted guide walking beside us as we navigate our unique spiritual paths, Martin lays out the different styles and traditions of prayer throughout Christian history and invites us to experiment and discover which works best to feed our soul and build intimacy with our Creator. Father Martin makes clear there is not one secret formula for praying. But like any relationship, each person can discover the best style for building an intimate relationship with God, regardless of religion or denomination. Prayer, he teaches us, is open and accessible to anyone willing to open their heart.

Reviews (2)

Publisher's Weekly Review

Jesuit priest Martin (The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything) argues prayer is for people of all religious traditions and denominations in this astute work. While Martin acknowledges that prayer and similar practices can be a cathartic "way to unburden ourselves when we're feeling sad, angry, stressed, or frustrated," the goal of prayer should be to deepen one's relationship with God. By examining rote prayer, petitionary prayer, and a variety of techniques unique to his Catholic tradition, he seeks to move the reader toward "conscious conversation with God." Martin invites readers focus on the "emotions, insights, memories, desires, images, words, feelings, and mystical experiences" one might encounter while praying. When potentially knotty theologic material appears (such as the difference between apophatic and the kataphatic prayer), the author does an excellent job of explaining it in simple language. Martin does not privilege any single form of prayer over another and frames his suggestions as "practices and preferences rather than rules and regulations." He also addresses common questions such as "What happens when we don't get what we pray for?" and "What does it mean to 'feel' something in prayer?" Those wanting to deepen their prayer practice should take a look. (Feb.)

Library Journal Review

In his latest book, Martin, SJ (Jesus: A Pilgrimage), focuses on the personal aspect of prayer, assuring readers that verbal engagement with God is not impossible. Through personal anecdotes and historical references, Martin offers a guide for the layperson who is serious about prayer. A Jesuit priest, the author is highly experienced in matters of prayer, and effectively supports his arguments with biblical scripture as well as theological research. Although Martin considers prayer to be a two-way conversation between God and the person praying, chapters include examples of rote prayers that one can use. The purpose of these, as well as other suggestions, is to enrich one's prayer life. They also provide both a point from which to seriously begin a practice of prayer and a common bond for believers around the world. While the primary aim of Martin's book is the importance of developing a habit of regular personal prayer, Tim Keller's Prayer emphasizes how to successfully achieve it. Martin's approachable book can be read as a complement, or on its own. VERDICT Highly recommended for all Christian believers, those beginning their faith journey, and others seeking spiritual development.--Chad Clark, Nederland, TX