The Practice of Prayer

A good, homespun book on the practice of prayer. Margaret Guenther reminds us that prayer comes in many forms and can be practiced in many ways. From a complex rosary, novena or praying the hours in monastic style to centering prayer, to just an utterance of the Jesus prayer, or maybe a forelorn cry of "help", any time we communicate with God, it is a prayer. The book also discusses retreats, confession, intercessory prayer, group and communal prayer and worship, as well as other uniquely Christian elements of prayer and the mystical experience. She removes the fear of not praying "right", and instead gives practical ways to infuse prayer into a busy life. A good book, a good read, and one that will resonate with most busy people.

One of the few books I've seen on Amazon with a full 5 star review and I totally concur. I received so much inspiration and insight in Ms. Guenther's previous books that I wanted to read The Practice of Prayer. I am so very grateful that I did. I immediately wanted to share the book with others. Her simple, clear and concise explantion of types of prayer, ways to think about prayer, times to pray, and examples of great leaders in prayer give such an inspiring tentimony to follow. I offered this book to our spirituality group and have received countless thank yous and praise for offering it. I highly recommend The Practice of Prayer for individual and group study.

A very well-written and readable overview of prayer traditions. Guenther takes great care to discuss topics while not overloading on theological points (always a positive for me). Time is also spent reviewing how one might better incorporate prayer into daily life. A very enriching read!

Margaret Guenther's *The Practice of Prayer* introduces the larger concept and practices of prayer with five pages devoted to discussion questions and exercises. For the most part, she covers various historical practices in one chapter. She directs her book toward Anglicans and reviews other spiritual disciplines. If you're interested in similar books that approach the topic from the practical side of prayer, you might try: Ten Ways to Pray: A Short Guide to a Long History of Talking with God gives short histories and practical suggestions for implementing historical prayer methods for yourself and your group. For God Alone: A Primer on Prayer offers history, theology, and anthropology, as well as practical steps to prayer and, as a bonus, some great poetry. Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices is written to a broad audience and supplies instructions on how to walk the journey of prayer.

Fine book. Very practical re the everyday realities of trying to carve out a prayer-life. No highfalutin theologizing, no overly pious sentiments. Just practical stuff yoiu can use today.

Probably the best book on prayer I have read and I have a lot in my library - Dutch Sheets, Ignatius Brianchaninov, E. M. Bounds, Philokalia, Derek Prince, and various other authors on prayer along with internet online information. This book is definitely for today's Christian. While this book can be read in one or two settings I chose rather to read at local restaurant's over breakfast absorbing a few pages during each breakfast; so it took me more than a month to finish which allowed her written material to sink into my soul with thoughts prompted by the Holy Spirit for integration and emphasis. A wonderful addition to my library.

Worth it! Not only a great and heartfelt overview of prayer, but full of additional resources to build one's prayer life.

Read this in preparation for an 8-week series on prayer at my church. A very good resource, and well-written. A couple of chapters were a little dry, but the majority provide good reading and excellent material to promote group discussion. In combination with this book, we are also reading from Richard Foster's "Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home" which is an excellent book for personal use.