Living Prayer

by Robert Benson

Book Overview

Drawing on his own quest for the power of prayer, the author traces the prayer traditions of the world's religions, offers an ecumenical understanding of prayer and its relation to grace, and shows readers how prayer can fill and transform their lives.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874779200
• ISBN13: 9780874779202
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: Tarcher
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Best Book on Prayer Ever!

This is Benson's finest offering. The writing is great; the thematic arrangement is outstanding. I read this book as I was beginning to discover the contemplative lifestyle, and this book helped me to understand the rhythms of prayer and of the church year. This is not a how-to manual: the chapters are descriptive of Benson's experience and of what he has learned in the art of prayer. Therein lies the power of the book: Because Benson does not tell us what to do, he has left us the freedom to join in the "Dance" in whatever way we can. He runs the gamut in prayer experience. From simple prayer, to journaling, to praying the hours, to keeping a journal, there is something in here for everyone who is on a spiritual journey to/with the Christian God, regardless of what stage they are at. This book and Benson's first, _Between the Dreaming and the Coming True_, are the ONLY books on the spiritual life that I recommend to people. They are that good! You cannot go wrong with this book.

I'll Never Be the Same

I had the privelege of meeting Mr. Benson at CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) in July, 1999. After a half-hour chat with him, I knew this humble, humble man could only write what my heart needed to hear! And was I right! This is the BEST book I've ever read on prayer life. I have bought a copy for everyone I know and some people I don't know! When I speak to audiences on prayer, this is the number one book I suggest! My advice to all reading this: If you buy only one book on prayer, make this one it! Favorite Line: We must somehow stop offering ourselves in prayer and begin offering ourselves as prayer. Amen!

A pause for prayer

Reading this book, I felt I knew the author and would like to meet him in person. I savored his observations on the life and rhythms of prayer. Some have described prayer as an "adventure" -- Robert's adventure is like a walk under the trees on an autumn day -- vivid, subtle, and steeped in quiet beauty.

A Call To Prayer

I devoured "Living Prayer" in one sitting. Robert Benson's willingness to share the stories of his own spiritual journey captivates his readers and enables them to become companions on the journey. There is a timelessness yet a freshness to his insights. This is a must-read for Christians who hear the call to prayer.