Cover image for Learning to pray : a guide for everyone
Learning to pray : a guide for everyone
Title:
Learning to pray : a guide for everyone
Author:
Martin, James, 1960- author.
ISBN:
9780062643230
Edition:
First edition.
Physical Description:
xii, 386 pages ; 24 cm
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.
Abstract:
Explains what prayer is, what to expect from praying, how to do it, and how it can transform lives when it becomes a regular practice, discussing different styles and traditions of prayer throughout Christian history and encouraging readers to experiment and discover which works best for them.