Beginning to Pray [Paperback]

Anthony Bloom (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1970

A new, attractive edition of this modern spiritual classic.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

ANTHONY BLOOM son of a Russian diplomat, physician, monk and archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church in Great Britain earned the respect and affection of countless people worldwide because of his deep humanity and tireless witness to the Gospel. Although he died in 2003 at the age of 89, he continues to offer guidance in the spiritual life through his writings. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

From AudioFile

Based on a 1970 book by a much loved archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church in Great Britain (who died last year at age 89), this audio is a splendidly narrated presentation of the author's writing on mercy and hope. Moving "Godward," he says, is not for the fainthearted, proud, or overconfident. It's a humbling experience that takes us to something deeper and richer, but only if we respect the power and abundance that God exercises in our lives on His terms. Compared to God, we possess nothing and are master of nothing. Humbly connecting with His benevolence is the only path to the love we are all meant to have. T.W. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (September 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809115093
• ISBN-13: 978-0809115099
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Inspirational
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > General
  • #68 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living > General

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Much Wisdom In So Few Pages, October 19, 2002

By 

K.H. - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Beginning to Pray (Paperback)

Though hailed as a primer for "people who have never prayed before", this book, written by Archbishop Anthony Bloom, is nothing short of spectacular. The book's orinigal title, "School of Prayer" is more appropiate because this book should be utilized by all Christians.

In the last few years, a resurgence of prayer books liek the "Prayer of Jabex" by Wilkinson and "Prayer of Jesus" and "The Covering" by Hannagraff are selling of the charts, this book by Bloom is far more superior than their text. Though only about 144 pages, there is much wisdom and the book should be read slowly after much spiritual contemplation.

It is easy to read, yet it contains so much theological depth that it is truly amazing. The first 20 pages are average as it has an interview with Bloom. The real meat begins in chapter one title "The Absence of God" where Bloom writes, "If you look at the relationship (us and God) in terms of mutual relationship, you would see that God could complain about us a great deal more thann we about Him. We complain that He does make Himself present to us for a few minutes we reserve for Him, but what about the twenty-three and half hours during which God may be knocking at our door and we answer 'I am busy..."

This is just a taste - buy the book for a deep look at prayer. You will forever be thankful.

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant practical guide for personal prayer!, October 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Beginning to Pray (Paperback)

Enchanting in its simplicity, book offers practical guidelines for personal prayer life. In exemplary way author prepares the reader for establishing a live personal contact with God through prayer. His rich background (Archbishop Bloom is an Orthodox Archbishop) combined with previous life experiences (surgeon physician during the time of II World War) offers astonishing depth combined with life applicable illustrations of the process of building of personal prayer life.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Guide For A More Personal Prayer Life, October 31, 2000

By 

Susan Lammon (Dublin, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginning to Pray (Paperback)

I found this book to be helpful with the basics in anyone's prayer life. From the beginner to the most advanced this book thru prayer will strengthen your relationship with God. I also think this book is very well written, the author uses great analogies from life and applies them to biblical stories. This book is for you if you are looking to deepen your prayer life.