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A School of Prayer: The Saints Show Us How to Pray, Complete
Prayer is essential to the life of faith. In this superb book, based on Pope Benedict's weekly teaching, he examines the foundational principles of the life of prayer. Believers of various backgrounds and experience in prayer--from beginners to spiritually advanced--will be enriched by this spiritual masterpiece. Benedict begins considering what we can learn from the examples of prayer found in a wide range of cultures and eras. Next, he turns to the Bible's teaching about prayer, beginning with Abraham and moving though Moses, the prophets, the Psalms to the example of Jesus. With Jesus Christ, Pope Benedict considers not only the Lord's teaching about prayer, but also his example of how to pray, including the Our Father, his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, and prayers on the Cross. The prayers of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the early Church are also explored. Benedict also draws on insights from spiritual masters, the saints, and the Church's liturgy. He challenges readers to live their relationships with God even more intensely, as it were, at a 'school of prayer'. Although Benedict provides a sweeping survey of great figures of prayer, his discussion centers on Jesus Christ and even invokes him in the study of prayer. It is in fact in Jesus, writes Benedict, that man becomes able to approach God in the depth and intimacy of the relationship of fatherhood and sonship. Together with the first disciples, let us now turn with humble trust to the Teacher and ask him: 'Lord, teach us to pray' (Lk 11:1).
250 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2012
58 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Pope Benedict XVI
942 books938 followersOriginally
Joseph Ratzinger
, a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 19, 2024
This is a book compilation of Pope Benedict XVI's Wednesday catecheses on prayer. I would say that this is very comprehensive and biblical. If I would criticize this book, it would be its subtitle because though the pope discussed how the saints showed us to prayed, there was little that was mentioned of the saints in this book, around 5% or less of the book. Nevertheless, the reflections and teachings of the pope on prayer were very enriching.
I would say that anything that I have read on Pope Benedict XVI's writings have been enriching and enlightening so far. Though the pope did not discussed the how-to's of prayer, he discussed how we see prayer done by the patriarchs in the bible, how Jesus' prayer showed His relationship with God the Father, how that influences His ministry, and how praise and thanksgiving are essential in the life of prayer. I particularly like his discussions of some Psalms which are worth reviewing some time in the future.
Overall, this book did not disappoint. This is definitely very appropriate to read in this Year of Prayer. This is highly recommended especially if you want reinvigorate your prayer life wherever you are in your season of life.
I would say that anything that I have read on Pope Benedict XVI's writings have been enriching and enlightening so far. Though the pope did not discussed the how-to's of prayer, he discussed how we see prayer done by the patriarchs in the bible, how Jesus' prayer showed His relationship with God the Father, how that influences His ministry, and how praise and thanksgiving are essential in the life of prayer. I particularly like his discussions of some Psalms which are worth reviewing some time in the future.
Overall, this book did not disappoint. This is definitely very appropriate to read in this Year of Prayer. This is highly recommended especially if you want reinvigorate your prayer life wherever you are in your season of life.
March 23, 2020
The best introduction to prayer I have ever read, bar none. Pope Benedict XVI, over the course of many Wednesday audiences, lays out in short, easily digestible pieces the basics of prayer from both a theological perspective and as a practical guide. He quotes the saints, he analyzes everything in the Bible on prayer, and he gives profound wisdom from his own deep spirituality. It's an incredible book, and worth reading for everyone.
March 14, 2021
Pope Benedict XVI gives many insightful audiences on prayer. Many of the Biblical prayers were not even ones I would have thought of as prayer. I appreciated his thoughts on praying the liturgy, too.
August 7, 2019
Deeply biblical, historically rich, personally moving. Five stars as per usual with Pope Benedict XVI.
February 26, 2024
In “A School of Prayer,” Pope Benedict masterfully guides readers through the profound depths of prayer, offering insights that are enriching to the soul. His deep spiritual insights illuminate the transformative power of prayer in our lives. Pope Benedict invites us to embark on a journey of spiritual growth and intimacy with God, one that brings us closer to the ultimate source of love. This book is a true treasure for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life and draw closer to the heart of God. It’s one of the best guides on prayer that I’ve ever read.
October 18, 2020
Having been raised Catholic, I often saw prayer as a tedious practice that I was supposed to do, but not as something in which I delighted. This book, however, raised my awareness of prayer as a gift, as a sublime privilege, in which we enter into dialogue with our Father in heaven. Pope Benedict not only cultivates a sense of wonder and mystery surrounding prayer, but also offers commentary on different ways to pray with Sacred Scripture, the liturgy (mass), intercessions, art, and more. Highly recommended for Catholics looking to deepen their prayer lives.
January 15, 2021
In this series of short Wednesday lessons Pope Benedict XVI draws lessons on prayer from the Old Testament, the life of Jesus, St Paul's letters, Revelations, and the lives of the saints. As is usual for Pope Benedict, his writing is engaging and lucid, helping the reader place the often dry, difficult practice of prayer at the center of their faith and showing how those prayers relate to and participate in the prayers of the Church and Christ himself.
August 18, 2020
A selection of Benedict XVI's catechesis on the subject of prayer, drawing mainly from various scriptural texts. He begins at the beginning and works through the Bible commenting on various instances of prayer, with a few departures to comment on other saints.
Very readable, and worthwhile.
Very readable, and worthwhile.
February 13, 2020
Beautiful. Thought provoking. Quite helpful for prayer.
Have a bible with you.
Have a bible with you.
February 16, 2020
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Easy to understand and insightful.. A book to read again and again. I have been reading it getting ready for lent.
Easy to understand and insightful.. A book to read again and again. I have been reading it getting ready for lent.
November 17, 2025
Pope Benedict was just phenomenal. Awesome lessons on prayer.
July 18, 2015
Much better than JP II's TOB.
December 18, 2016
Excellent book. So much pastoral and biblical insight packed in these pages.
July 11, 2013
pleasantly surprised. full review on www.catholicmajority.com
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews