The Art of Praying: The Principles and Methods of Christian Prayer

I love this book and bought it to give it to a friend, and this older copy has the white cover on it that I think is prettier than the new dark one. The book arrived promptly in perfect shape. Thank you!

Book received was as exactly described by the seller. I am very, very pleased. I highly recommend this seller. And the book arrived way ahead of the projected date. Thank you!

A phenomenal read the amount of advice regarding prayer given by Ramano Guardini is amazing. It gives a lot of help and will help you solidify and alter your prayer life so you feel a deeper meaning to your prayer.

There were times when I thought this book was simply outstanding, and in certain sections I found myself furiously underlining. In these sections, and in the other Guardini book I am reading (Meditations Before Mass), I can see why he has been a favorite read of recent popes. There were also times when I thought it was a bit superfluous in language and a more basic and somewhat unsatisfying version of better works on each topic in which it skimmed given its purpose as a general overview.In The Art of Praying, Guardini devotes the first third to understanding prayer in a general sense and developing the proper disposition and discipline of prayer. He then moves to specific types of prayer - oral prayer, contemplative prayer, intercessory prayer, prayer to the saints, and consideration of divine providence. Chapter 1, preparation and form, was excellent...I found a plenitude of valuable nuggets and helpful practical suggestions, especially in developing a consistent prayer discipline. Chapters 2-4 were also mostly edifying, moving from basic acts of prayer (ch 2), to the Trinity (3) and then to a discussion of oral prayer (4).Chapter 5, on Contemplative prayer, was less satisfying than the preceding chapters. Guardini calls "contemplative" prayer what I think most of the Church's great saints would split into two distinct parts - meditation and contemplation (the former being active work of the intellect, the latter being the receipt of a gift from God that is more infused). It was here that I started to feel like other works were just superior to Guardini's treatment. St. Teresa of Avila's "Interior Castle" would be a prime example. Or to traverse many great saints, Ralph Martin's overview of the mystics in "The Fulfillment of All Desire" is a far more instructive work. This disappointment continued with Ch. 6, Divine Providence, where I immediately had the feeling that Jean-Pierre De Caussade's "Abdondonment to Divine Providence" overshadowed anything Guardini had to say. Perhaps Guardin's short chapter is a nice synopsis of De Caussade, but if you have read the latter, you will feel a bit underwhelmed.Guardini rallies the effort in Chapters 7-9, treating prayers to the saints and mary, prayer in difficulty, and the overall pattern of Christian prayer life. Towards the very end, his commentary on the key differences between personal prayer, devotions, and liturgical prayer is a real treasure.Overall, this book is a fast read, and worth it for chapters 1-4 and 7-9.

and it takes some work.

this book was surprising. at first I thought it was going to be dry..........but when I opened it a second time, the Holy Spirit anointed it and my spirit to receive, It is wonderful, inspiring teaching! Thank you. I have been a praying Christian for over 40 years, and was inspired by this book.

An excellent read that strengthens one's faith and understanding of prayer. Though written many years ago, the wisdom contained in this book is as relevant today as ever. All Christians, rather Protestant, Catholic, or otherwise should find this book practical and inspiring.

This is very clear, practical and helpful spiritual writing. I enjoyed the flow of thought and it raised my spirits to learn what he had to say.

Haven't finished reading this yet but, very impressed with how the material has been presented and the ideas that the author fleshed out on the subject. Will be looking for more from him.

Wer betet, braucht in der Regel auch etwas Hilfe, einige Tipps. Guardini kann ich jedem empfehlen, der weiß, wie wichtig das Beten für uns alle ist.

very practical, simple and deepuseful to those who believe that prayer is an art to be laernedI recommend it as an inspiration to work harder on our prayer life

For those who are interested in praying better I can only recommend this book. The first chapters are very practical, the following chapters become more theological, but it isn't difficult reading. Give it a try!

The author taught Ratzinger and wrote many valid and useful books. The book is a masterpiece for anyone who is serious about a prayer life.