The Path of Prayer: Reflections on Prayer and True Stories of How It Affects Our Lives [Paperback]

Sophy Burnham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2003

Sophy Burnham's unique, humanistic approach to the spiritual has inspired millions of readers. Now in this luminous, yet down-to-earth and practical book, she explores the universal meaning of prayer and its practice and shows how prayer can help those of all faiths-or none-to resolve doubts and anxieties, find comfort during troubled times, and realize their deepest longings, thoughts, and dreams. With characteristic grace, Burnham shares her personal observations and experience with prayer, as well as true stories of people who have found answers-sometimes miracles-through prayer. It is short enough to read in one sitting, deep enough to peruse again and again. Filled with suggestions and prayers from many traditions, this engaging volume provides strength and direction at just the time many people are searching for answers.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this fervent but unfocused primer, prayer is more therapeutic protocol than divine commandment. Drawing on the writings of sages, unconventional (and some might say dubious) scientific studies and many true-life parables of supplications miraculously answered, Burnham (A Book of Angels) reassures us that all prayers great (cure this cancer) and small (untie this necklace) go straight to God's ears. Nominally a Christian, Burnham has a broadly ecumenical but unspecific idea of God-a.k.a. "Creative Element," "force of the universe" and "tachyon energy"-and her concept of prayer is similarly unstructured and abstract. Prayer can be the familiar hands-clasped entreaty (for which she provides tips on posture and warm-up breathing exercises), but it can be virtually any other act-listening to music, drinking coffee, washing the dishes-done with a pure heart. Prayer taps into the mystical healing power of a cosmos that is raptly attentive to our needs, but demands little from us except emotional sincerity. Devotees of Burnham's free-form New Age spirituality will like this approach, but religious traditionalists who think that specific beliefs and rituals are important to God may not.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Sophy Burnham is a radiant writer. This book, one of her very best, must rank with The Road Less Travelled in its luminous humanity." (Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (October 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142196266
• ISBN-13: 978-0142196267
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,887 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

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The universal meaning of prayer and its practice, January 17, 2004

By 

OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Path of Prayer (Hardcover)

Having read all three of the author's angel books I knew that this volume would not be spiritual fluff. I was not disappointed.
I can't recall a better examination of the topic of prayer, and exactly what it is and how to practice it. The approach is not the convential fuzzy and pious one, for as the author states, there ought to be another word that we can use for prayer, since misuse has given it such a negative connotation.

What is prayer? It is stated that it is a yearning of the heart arising from either suffering or love. Whenever we think strongly about a subject we are "praying." The process spelled out is Thought, Intention, and Surrender.

The book examines prayer across history and across cultures. She even brings in the findings of modern science (including the fact that our concentrated thoughts in the present appear to be able to reach back and influence the past....)

Perhaps the most valuable portion of the book deals with how NOT to pray. This can be summed up as: 1) no lip-service prayers (if you don't really MEAN what you are saying, or not concentrating on the meaning), 2) no show-off prayers (prayers to impress or shame others), 3) no harmful prayers (no calling down vengeance or harm on others), and 4) no prayers of worry or doubt (prayer should be positive- and in perfect faith.) I know that I have verified all of these principles in my own life over the years.

As a youth I used to think that prayer was a waste of time. Now I know that it is probably the most meaningful of human activities- all else is secondary to seeking connection to the Divine, however fleeting.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A luminous yet practical book, December 2, 2008

By 

Diana G. Lutke "Human Being" (Delray Beach FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Path of Prayer: Reflections on Prayer and True Stories of How It Affects Our Lives (Paperback)

This has become the book I read every night before sleep. It helps me go to the center of my heart where God and I commune. I can go to this place simply by remembering parts of this book. When I am out of sorts and am blocked by my emotions from being with God I will spend 10 to 15 minutes reading my favorite passages and my heart fills with the light of Love. I have read many spiritual books but this is the first that has moved me so.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must, September 8, 2009

By 

hobbyroom "ingrid" (ga usa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Path of Prayer: Reflections on Prayer and True Stories of How It Affects Our Lives (Paperback)

This book is a must for everyone interested in religion. It builds a bridge between religions, and hopefully makes people understand that other people believe too, even if they call God by another name. I have really enjoyed reading it over and over again.