The Need and the Blessing of Prayer: A Revised Edition of on Prayer [Paperback]

Karl Rahner (Author), Bruce W. Gillette (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1997

With theological passion, spiritual intensity, and the infectious power of igniting thought, the late Karl Rahner, S.J., opens up a creative new understanding of prayer.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press; 3rd edition (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814624537
• ISBN-13: 978-0814624531
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #342,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treasure to be savoured and used in meditation, October 26, 2000

By 

Elizabeth G. Melillo "gloriana" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Need and the Blessing of Prayer: A Revised Edition of on Prayer (Paperback)

Each chapter in this work provides enough material for reflection to fill a month - and, perhaps, that is the way to enjoy it fully. Father Rahner's sermons on prayer, especially deep and poignant because they were originally delivered to Germans suffering the pain and deprivation following the second world war, are exquisitely beautiful. He writes movingly of how God strips aways our false ways, how the Holy Spirit and Christ within us "pray for us" when our own efforts are weak, and far more. Much of it may be difficult to ponder, but the ring of truth and love are so clear that the light of resurrection shows the cross to be a shadow. Superb work to be read at any time, but particularly when one is struggling in one's own prayer life. Those who are familiar with this brilliant Jesuit through his systematic theology will see that the picture is incomplete without observing what a great man of prayer he was.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enabled me to pray, July 7, 2000

By 

Kim Boykin (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Need and the Blessing of Prayer: A Revised Edition of on Prayer (Paperback)

A powerful book on prayer by one of the most important Christian theologians of the 20th century.

If you think you want to pray but have trouble even beginning because belief in a loving God seems like ludicrously wishful thinking in such a mess of a world, try out this book. Rahner understands suffering, he understands atheism, he understands angst (this book is based on sermons preached in bombed-out Munich in 1946), and yet he dares to be Christian and to pray.

Two other books that I've found especially helpful: C. S. Lewis's "Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer" and Ann and Barry Ulanov's "Primary Speech: A Psychology of Prayer."

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moved by the Spirit of God, June 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Need and the Blessing of Prayer: A Revised Edition of on Prayer (Paperback)

An excellent theologian that shares not only his thoughts but his personal spiritual experience. Faithful to the Church and to his vocation as a Jesuit Priest, Karl Rahner is a great help in priestly ministry nowadays. Open to the needs of the world, he shows the need and the blessing of prayer. The translation is excellent, in good modern English.