The Practice of Prayer (The New Church's Teaching Series, Vol 4) [Paperback]

Margaret Guenther (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1998

In this down-to-earth book on the essentials of prayer, Margaret Guenther answers many of the common questions of the spiritual life, such as How do we learn to listen to God in our prayer? and, How do we develop a life of prayer in the midst of busy, active lives? She includes practical descriptions of a number of ways Christians have prayed through the centuries, from using the Jesus Prayer or rosary to praying with the stories of scripture and prayer book liturgies. Guenther also discusses basic matters of Christian practice, such as making a confession, intercession, going on retreat, simplifying our lives, using a journal to pray, finding a spiritual director, and praying through times of desolation when God does not seem to be listening.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Margaret Guenther is a lot of things—a professor of theology, an author, a retreat leader and an Episcopal priest. But in her latest book, The Practice of Prayer, it is evident that first and foremost she is just like the rest of us, human—allible, vulnerable and all the other things that go along with the human condition. The Practice of Prayer is refreshingly down-to-earth. In this book Guenther talks about prayer and paths to hearing God in a way that makes readers feel they are sitting by a fire having one of those deep and meaningful talks with their best friend. It's the kind of talk you later recall as having been one where a lot of the world's perplexing problems were solved. (Cynthia Jardon Alexandria Daily Town Talk )

Margaret Guenther has provided the church with a wise and gentle book in The Practice of Prayer, and the chapter subtitles indicate the warmth and sparkle of her text…. I could wish for no more comprehensive, accessible, and gracious text for leading adults to an understanding of the realities of prayer, though I do wish she had made some mention of the renewal of interest in the labyrinth as a tool for meditation and prayer. These volumes occasion in me hopefulness for the church. The author takes seriously the lives of her potential readers, credits them with insight and ability, and invites them into mature knowledge and understanding. I hope the book finds pastors and teachers who share the author's faith in the wisdom of our times and our people. (Scott Lee )

Do not be misled by the title. This is not a how-to manual for prayer. It is much more valuable than that. … Instead of promoting six easy steps to more exciting prayer, Guenther offers a simple, powerful reminder: prayer is work and work is prayer. (Robert P. Mills The Presbyterian Layman )

Margaret Guenther's The Practice of Prayer [is] an important addition to the New Church's Teaching Series. This is a serious treatment of a vital subject with felicitous metaphors and images. . . . The reader finds in this book the distilled wisdom and experience of a faithful and fruitful ministry in parish and classroom that has been guided and shaped by both the highs and lows of a persistent prayer life. . . . Her frank sharing of wrestlings with questions and doubts is tasteful and eloquent witness that this is no mere academic treatise. (Rev. Donald Walden Champaign, Il )

This is a practical and readable book on the essentials of prayer, presented by Episcopal priest Margaret Guenther. Her opening pages are inviting. She tells us that even she is humbled at the thought of ‘teaching’ someone how to pray. Margaret Guenther's presentation is less formal theology and more gleanings from wisdom, her own and that passed down the ages. Not that her work is ‘non-theological.’ In fact, it is, and deeply so. But her book is God-talk that is conscious of the fact that the Word became flesh, like us. And so we live in the flesh, always seeking the Spirit. Margaret Guenther's practicality includes a number of recommended texts, both classic and recent, to assist the practitioner in the practice of prayer. Her book is a place to begin, or to begin again. (Phyllis Zagano Anglican Theological Review )

If you have been searching for a book that can serve as a guide for yourself or for others, search no longer. Margaret Guenther has written an insightful, accessible, earthy book on prayer and the spiritual life. She has the extraordinary ability to engage her readers at diverse levels and to impart wisdom that is at once simple and profound. . . . This book can be used in a variety of ways, to inform the individual reader, to inspire a book study, or to guide a group in the exploration of prayer. Guenther provides a section of questions to use for group conversation or as exercises to practice for the individual or a group. Several books are published on the life of prayer, but this book is outstanding among them. Even a person most experienced in prayer will find Guenther's insights, on even the most familiar topics, refreshing and new. The Practice of Prayer is a must for every person's library. (Margaret McNaughton-Ayers Virginia Theological Seminary Journal )

About the Author

Margaret Guenther is an Episcopal priest, spiritual director, and retreat leader. She recently retired as professor of ascetical theology at The General Theological Seminary in New York, where she was the director of its Center for Christian Spirituality. Her other books include Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction and Toward Holy Ground: Spiritual Directions for the Second Half of Life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: Cowley Publications (January 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155126157X
• ISBN-13: 978-1551261577
• ASIN: 1561011525
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Anglican
  • #44 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Episcopalian

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book about prayer for real people!, March 21, 1999

By 

spidir (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Practice of Prayer (The New Church's Teaching Series, Vol 4) (Paperback)

This book defines, describes, and demystifies the traditions of prayer--and makes them accessible to everyone. It begins with a concise history of Christian prayer and proceeds to practical applications for us late-20th-century folk. Chapters with titles like "Finding God in the Ordinary: Your Kitchen Will Teach You Everything" and "Parenting and Prayer: How Do I Pray When the Baby is Keeping Me Up?" address the challenges of integrating spirituality with the demands of daily life. The book concludes with a list of further resources and discussion questions suitable for group or individual use.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars With arms outstretched..., June 13, 2004

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Practice of Prayer (The New Church's Teaching Series, Vol 4) (Paperback)

The Episcopal church in the twentieth century took advantage of the general availability of publishing to good advantage, compiling through several auspices different collections and teaching series, the latest of which was only completed a few years ago. There have been 'unofficial' collections of teaching texts, such as the Anglican Studies Series by Morehouse press, put out in the 1980s, as well as an earlier teaching series. However, each generation approaches things anew; the New Church Teaching Series, published by Cowley Publications (a company operated as part of the ministry of the Society of St. John the Evangelist - SSJE - one of the religious/monastic communities in the Episcopal church, based in the Boston area) is the most recent series, and in its thirteen volumes, explores in depth and breadth the theology, history, liturgy, ethics, mission and more of the modern Anglican vision in America.

This fourth volume, 'The Practice of Prayer' by Margaret Guenther, takes a practical and spiritual look at the most basic of spiritual Christian practices, prayer.

Many people, Christians and non-Christians, seek a deeper spiritual life. Many do not realise that this can be from the most basic of practices - mystics and spiritual masters of the past and present find spiritual growth in such simple practices as gardening, baking bread, singing and more. Prayer is a very basic practice, but there is a great, untapped depth to the practice.

Of course, a basic question is, why do we pray? Is anyone listening? Looking at prayer as a form of conversation, Guenther explores the different ways in which the conversation partner, God, might respond to us. After this, Guenther explores the different kinds of prayer - intercession, prayers of praise and adoration, confession, thanksgiving and petition. Each of these types can take a different form, or remarkably similar forms. Intention is very important here. In addition to looking at these specific types of prayer, Guenther looks at the long tradition of prayer practices, from the early Jesus prayer through other types of prayer 'methods' such as Ignatian prayer, centering prayer, and lectio divina, otherwise known as holy reading. Prayers can come from books or without words; prayers can be in the head and heart, or can involve the entire body. Following these descriptions, Guenther concludes this section by looking at larger-scale prayer practices, such as retreats, journaling and forming a spiritual direction relationship.

The second primary section deals with prayer practices in daily life and work. Again going back to the idea that spiritual practices can be very simple and from the ordinary, she looks at God in the kitchen and home life, work life, family and community relationships, and more. She also takes a look at the very important time in life, time of grief and loss, not only of loved ones, but also general stress and trials of life that can leave one depressed, weary, and feeling alone.

Margaret Guenther is an Episcopal priest, well-known also an author and spiritual director. Among her books include several titles on spiritual direction and development. Until recently a professor at the General Theological Seminary in New York, she now leads retreats and accepts speaking engagements to wide audiences.

Each of the texts is relatively short (only two of the volumes exceed 200 pages), the print and text of each easy to read, designed not for scholars but for the regular church-goer, but not condescending either - the authors operate on the assumption that the readers are genuinely interested in deepening their faith and practice. Each volume concludes with questions for use in discussion group settings, and with annotated lists of further readings recommended.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enriching the Inward Life of Prayer, February 12, 2004

By 

JAD (The Sunshine State) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Practice of Prayer (The New Church's Teaching Series, Vol 4) (Paperback)

This book on the practice of prayer comes from our sisters and brothers in the Episcopal Church, as part of their new Church Teaching Series. Prayer is one of the many aspects of Christian life that transcend all denominational boundaries.

Professor Guenther discusses a wide variety of topics, some that we might expect, such as varieties of prayer and retreats, and yet, from some of the subtitles you may gain a sense of her approach. One chapter asks "Is Anyone Listening?" and another asks "Does what I learned in Sunday School really count?" she also tackles such subjects as finding God in the ordinary places and times of life, how prayer relates to parenting, simplicity, and those dry spells when we feel forsaken.

This is a book to be read first for its sweep of content and then to be read repeatedly as a touchstone for our own prayer life. Not every chapter will meet us where we are today, but we will find ourselves at most of the places Professor Guenther discusses over a lifetime's prayer walk.

Key to the book's theme is this passage: "I am writing about the practice of prayer, `Practice' is a reassuringly down-to-earth word. We practice because we are not yet perfect, because we know that we have much to learn. To be fruitful, practice must be faithfully sustained over a long period." (Page 3).

If you have ever asked yourself, "Can we really be on speaking terms with God?" this book is for you. I find this to be a beautifully written book. Professor Guenther writes conversationally, so it is as if one is having a quiet talk about prayer with one who has spent the better part of a lifetime exploring its wonders.

If there are people on your gift giving list for whom a book relating to the inward life would be appropriate, you would find this to be an appreciated gift.

Margaret Guenther is an Episcopal priest, spiritual director and retreat leader who recently retired from the General Theological Seminary in New York City. She has served as director of the Center of Christian Spirituality and is the author of other books including Holy Listening, The Art of Spiritual Direction and Toward Holy Ground: Spiritual Directions for the Second Half of Life.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction