Paths to Prayer: Finding Your Own Way to the Presence of God

by Patricia D. Brown

With step-by-step instructions for over forty ways to pray, this valuable guide contains a wealth of timeless spiritual prayer practices that Christians have used over the last 2000 years from cultures around the world. Among the prayer practices you'll encounter in this book are the daily office, the prayer shawl, praying with icons, centering prayer, fasting, prayer beads, walking a labyrinth, pilgrimage, anointing for healing, and praying the scriptures. Paths to Prayer offers a whole-person approach to prayer that takes into account each person's individuality and doesn't assume we all relate to God in the same way. A prayer styles self-assessment will help you reflect on your life, your preferences, and your unique way of interacting with the world. Try new dimensions of praying— innovative, searching, relational, and experiential— to deepen your encounter with the divine.

Genres: Faith, Prayer, Spirituality, Religion

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 26, 2003

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no wrong way to pray but the basic forms can seem not as inspiring. The many forms noted in this volume are a great way to work on a prayer life. What a great resource!

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the author successfully covers a good number of prayer practices, she varies between barely touching on them and being almost iron-handed in laying out exactly how they should be done. I found it a useful starting point for some things, and an interesting way of looking at things I was already doing, but so far the mighty Google beats it hands down for providing any kind of real depth to anything.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explanation of the many ways individuals have experienced prayer throughout the centuries. Provides a basis of understanding prayer in a biblical and historical context which remains relevant today.
A familiarity with prayer study would prove beneficial although the book is written with those new to the study in mind.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great as a reference rather than to read straight through. I really liked the historical information provided about many forms of prayer that are known to me but not practiced in my faith tradition. A lot of things make more sense and have greater significance when you understand the context in which they developed and were/are used.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broadened my conception of how to pray, found several ideas useful in getting me off the dime and into the actual practice of prayer rather than just an armchair enthusiast.

[Cathy D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. More helpful as a reference book to go more deeply into the subject using other books.