Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This was not a very good book. . .
I was disappointed because I had hope the author would have spoken from some depth.