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An Introduction to Prayer
Prayer fascinates us. Studies show that even atheists and agnostics sometimes pray. But what precisely is prayer? How does it “work”? And what are some of the time-tested ways to practice it?
An Introduction to Prayer offers a collection of rich yet brief reflections on prayer in the Catholic spiritual tradition from acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian Bishop Robert Barron. This book explores the answers to questions
Why should I pray?What should I say or do when I’m praying?Who exactly am I praying to?Are there different types of prayer?What do the spiritual masters say about prayer?How can I establish a solid routine of prayer?And many morePerfect for beginners but filled with profound insights for those looking to further their spiritual life, An Introduction to Prayer will inspire you to seek out more frequent conversation—and a deeper communion—with God.
An Introduction to Prayer offers a collection of rich yet brief reflections on prayer in the Catholic spiritual tradition from acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian Bishop Robert Barron. This book explores the answers to questions
Why should I pray?What should I say or do when I’m praying?Who exactly am I praying to?Are there different types of prayer?What do the spiritual masters say about prayer?How can I establish a solid routine of prayer?And many morePerfect for beginners but filled with profound insights for those looking to further their spiritual life, An Introduction to Prayer will inspire you to seek out more frequent conversation—and a deeper communion—with God.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2024
223 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Robert Barron
213 books832 followersBishop Robert Emmet Barron is an acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian. He is the former Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago and also is the founder of Word On Fire (www.WordOnFire.org).
Bishop Barron is the creator and host of CATHOLICISM, a groundbreaking ten-part documentary series and study program about the Catholic faith. He is a passionate student of art, architecture, music and history, which he calls upon throughout his global travels in the making of the documentary.
Word On Fire programs are broadcast regularly on WGN America, Relevant Radio, CatholicTV, EWTN, the popular Word on Fire YouTube Channel, and the Word on Fire website, which offers daily blogs, articles, commentaries, and over ten years of weekly sermon podcasts. In 2010, Father Barron was the first priest to have a national show on a secular television network since the 1950s.
Fr. Barron received his Masters Degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC in 1982 and his doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Institut Catholique in 1992. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1986 and has been a professor of systematic theology at the nation's largest Catholic seminary, the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary since 1992. He was visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame in 2002 and at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2007. He was also twice scholar in residence at the Pontifical North American College at the Vatican.
In addition, Fr. Barron lectures extensively in the United States and abroad. Cardinal Francis George calls Fr. Barron “one of the Church’s best messengers.
Fr. Barron was baptized at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago and grew up at St. John of the Cross parish in Western Springs, Illinois.
WordOnFire.org - Fr. Barron's website launched in 1999 and currently draws over 1 million visitors a year from every continent. Fr. Barron posts weekly video clips, commentaries and radio sermons and offers an audio archive of over 500 homilies. Podcasts of his sermons are widely used by tens of thousands of visitors each month.
TV - EWTN (The Eternal Word Television Network) and CatholicTV broadcasts Fr. Barron's DVDs to a worldwide audience of over 150 million people.
Radio - Since 1999, Fr. Barron's weekly Word on Fire program has been broadcast in Chicago (WGN) and throughout the country (Relevant Radio - 950 AM Chicago) to 28 million listeners in 17 states. Fr. Barron also is a regular commentator on the "Busted Halo Show" on the Sirius satellite radio network based in New York.
DVDs - Fr. Barron's DVDs are used as powerful faith formation tools in universities, schools, churches and homes around the country. The series includes Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues; Faith Clips; Conversion: Following the Call of Christ; and Untold Blessing: Three Paths to Holiness.
YouTube - With over 180 online video commentaries by Fr. Barron, over 1 million viewers worldwide have made him the most popular of any evangelist on YouTube. These frequent, high-quality productions include brief and lively theological reviews of contemporary culture, including movies such as No Country for Old Men, Apocalypto, and The Departed, a three-part critical review of Christopher Hitchen's book God is Not Great, The Discovery Channel's The Jesus Tomb, the HBO series "The Sopranos", "Rome" and more.
Missions - MISSION CHICAGO features evangelization lectures by Fr. Barron at the behest of Cardinal George. These special missions and presentations throughout the Archdiocese are centered in downtown Chicago and attract business, civic, and cultural leaders.
Books - His numerous books and essays serve as critical educational and inspirational tools for seminarians, priests, parishioners and young people worldwide. His published works are also central to the numerous retreats, workshop and talks that h
Bishop Barron is the creator and host of CATHOLICISM, a groundbreaking ten-part documentary series and study program about the Catholic faith. He is a passionate student of art, architecture, music and history, which he calls upon throughout his global travels in the making of the documentary.
Word On Fire programs are broadcast regularly on WGN America, Relevant Radio, CatholicTV, EWTN, the popular Word on Fire YouTube Channel, and the Word on Fire website, which offers daily blogs, articles, commentaries, and over ten years of weekly sermon podcasts. In 2010, Father Barron was the first priest to have a national show on a secular television network since the 1950s.
Fr. Barron received his Masters Degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC in 1982 and his doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Institut Catholique in 1992. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1986 and has been a professor of systematic theology at the nation's largest Catholic seminary, the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary since 1992. He was visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame in 2002 and at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2007. He was also twice scholar in residence at the Pontifical North American College at the Vatican.
In addition, Fr. Barron lectures extensively in the United States and abroad. Cardinal Francis George calls Fr. Barron “one of the Church’s best messengers.
Fr. Barron was baptized at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago and grew up at St. John of the Cross parish in Western Springs, Illinois.
WordOnFire.org - Fr. Barron's website launched in 1999 and currently draws over 1 million visitors a year from every continent. Fr. Barron posts weekly video clips, commentaries and radio sermons and offers an audio archive of over 500 homilies. Podcasts of his sermons are widely used by tens of thousands of visitors each month.
TV - EWTN (The Eternal Word Television Network) and CatholicTV broadcasts Fr. Barron's DVDs to a worldwide audience of over 150 million people.
Radio - Since 1999, Fr. Barron's weekly Word on Fire program has been broadcast in Chicago (WGN) and throughout the country (Relevant Radio - 950 AM Chicago) to 28 million listeners in 17 states. Fr. Barron also is a regular commentator on the "Busted Halo Show" on the Sirius satellite radio network based in New York.
DVDs - Fr. Barron's DVDs are used as powerful faith formation tools in universities, schools, churches and homes around the country. The series includes Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues; Faith Clips; Conversion: Following the Call of Christ; and Untold Blessing: Three Paths to Holiness.
YouTube - With over 180 online video commentaries by Fr. Barron, over 1 million viewers worldwide have made him the most popular of any evangelist on YouTube. These frequent, high-quality productions include brief and lively theological reviews of contemporary culture, including movies such as No Country for Old Men, Apocalypto, and The Departed, a three-part critical review of Christopher Hitchen's book God is Not Great, The Discovery Channel's The Jesus Tomb, the HBO series "The Sopranos", "Rome" and more.
Missions - MISSION CHICAGO features evangelization lectures by Fr. Barron at the behest of Cardinal George. These special missions and presentations throughout the Archdiocese are centered in downtown Chicago and attract business, civic, and cultural leaders.
Books - His numerous books and essays serve as critical educational and inspirational tools for seminarians, priests, parishioners and young people worldwide. His published works are also central to the numerous retreats, workshop and talks that h
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 20, 2024
Bishop Barron is a good teacher, and his book, ‘An Introduction to Prayer’, offers a clear and concise overview of the various forms of prayer in the Christian tradition. He effectively combines his personal experiences with the historical, biblical, and theological contexts of each type of prayer.
From the Liturgy of the Hours to Lectio Divina, Barron covers a wide range of prayer practices, making the book accessible for both beginners and those more advanced in their spiritual journey. His reflections are informative and encourage readers to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
One of the strengths of the book is Barron's ability to explain complex theological concepts in an understandable way without losing their depth. He also addresses common questions about prayer, such as why we should pray, how to establish a routine, and insights from spiritual masters.
Overall, ‘An Introduction to Prayer’ is a helpful guide for anyone looking to grow spiritually. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking to enrich your existing practice, this book should be really helpful. Recommended.
From the Liturgy of the Hours to Lectio Divina, Barron covers a wide range of prayer practices, making the book accessible for both beginners and those more advanced in their spiritual journey. His reflections are informative and encourage readers to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
One of the strengths of the book is Barron's ability to explain complex theological concepts in an understandable way without losing their depth. He also addresses common questions about prayer, such as why we should pray, how to establish a routine, and insights from spiritual masters.
Overall, ‘An Introduction to Prayer’ is a helpful guide for anyone looking to grow spiritually. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking to enrich your existing practice, this book should be really helpful. Recommended.
March 17, 2025
Had some good things I liked, but overall I found it to be a bit inaccessible to beginners. I was hoping this could be a book I give to the parish, but it just uses some advanced language at times and lots of Latin. Seems better for an advanced pray-er.
March 9, 2025
An introduction to prayer written by Bishop Robert Barron is a great introduction to the world of prayer but also a fantastic reminder for all of what prayer is. I myself find that the simplest of things are the most important in our faith, and returning to them and being reminded of them are extremely important.
While this book is an introduction to prayer, as someone with an active prayer life I found myself underlining many useful quotes and being reminded of a lot of things that I could take directly to prayer.
The book does have a very random section on contemplative prayer in the middle of the book. This section is different than the others as it writes about 3 great mystics of prayer, St. John of the cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and Thomas Merton. While this is great, it seems like a very random inclusion. It’s almost like the author said “great now you know what adoration is, here is the dark night of the soul. Go ahead and detach yourself from literally everything but God. Good luck”. I don’t think the problem is writing about these spiritual authors; however, as an introduction I think it could have been handled better.
After this section, it returns to being an Introduction like the rest of the book.
Due to this, I believe this book is a great read and I highly recommend it. 4/5 above average.
While this book is an introduction to prayer, as someone with an active prayer life I found myself underlining many useful quotes and being reminded of a lot of things that I could take directly to prayer.
The book does have a very random section on contemplative prayer in the middle of the book. This section is different than the others as it writes about 3 great mystics of prayer, St. John of the cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and Thomas Merton. While this is great, it seems like a very random inclusion. It’s almost like the author said “great now you know what adoration is, here is the dark night of the soul. Go ahead and detach yourself from literally everything but God. Good luck”. I don’t think the problem is writing about these spiritual authors; however, as an introduction I think it could have been handled better.
After this section, it returns to being an Introduction like the rest of the book.
Due to this, I believe this book is a great read and I highly recommend it. 4/5 above average.
August 27, 2024
Amazing!
Bishop Barron covers all manner of prayer in this book. From the Rosary, to Mass, to the de profundis prayer, his explanations are excellent.
Bishop Barron covers all manner of prayer in this book. From the Rosary, to Mass, to the de profundis prayer, his explanations are excellent.
November 1, 2025
Prayer. Something so simple, yet so complex, yet so simple. This short book is obviously tailored toward Catholics, but even a vehement Protestant can get something out of it. This is a book I intend to read multiple times.
July 22, 2025
Only Bishop Barron could make an “introductory” book to prayer so ladened with wisdom that it reads like a theology manuscript. That man has a gift. Please read the quotes below for a snippet :)
Quotes I liked:
“One of the most fundamental truths in the Bible is that the spiritual life is not primarily our request for God, but rather God’s quest for us.”
“The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.”
“Remaining in an act or attitude that contradicts love will place an obstacle in the way of grace. If some decent request of yours is being stubbornly refused, look at the quality of your relationships, and see if there is not something there that is repugnant of the nature of the God you are petitioning.”
“The entirety of the biblical narrative could be read as the story of God’s attempt to earn his people back into right praise, not because God needs such devotion, but precisely because such devotion is tantamount to human flourishing.”
“The action of bringing an animal to the tabernacle (and later to the temple) for sacrifice, was an implicit statement, that what was happening to the animals should, by rights, be happening to the offerer of sacrifice.”
“Everything that happens to us is, directly, or indirectly, is an expression of the will of God. Whatever exists has been either directly willed by God, or permitted by God as part of his providential design.”
“God wants us to ask, seek, and petition persistently, not in order that he might be changed, but that we might be changed.”
“God, the unmoved mover, can never be changed by our prayer. Nevertheless, God can arrange his providential governance of the universe in such a way that what he wants to give will be coordinated with our asking for it. On this reading, whatever is good and right and true in our prayer is God already praying in us, adjusting our desire to his desire.”
“As they listen to the word, Christians realize that they don’t tell their own story, but rather that they already belong to a story, and that their freedom is authentically discovered in relation to that narrative.”
“Even if you aren’t personally feeling what the Psalmist is feeling, trust me, someone in the body of Christ is. You are praying on behalf of that person and in union with that person. The same goes for psalms of joy. Even if you’re not in the mood that day to jump up and down, somebody else in the body of Christ is, and you are exulting for them.”
“Jesus died young and alone. Abandoned even by his closest friends. He was deemed a failure and hung on a brutal instrument of torture. And this death was not simply a tragedy, a calamity from which we should turn our eyes... Rather, somehow it was the whole point (of his existence).”
“Because the Son has gone to the limits of godforsakeness, we run from the father only to find ourselves, at the end of our running, in the arms of the Son.”
“We must never forget what God has done on our behalf, and we must never fail to make that love the structure and foundation of our lives.”
Quotes I liked:
“One of the most fundamental truths in the Bible is that the spiritual life is not primarily our request for God, but rather God’s quest for us.”
“The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.”
“Remaining in an act or attitude that contradicts love will place an obstacle in the way of grace. If some decent request of yours is being stubbornly refused, look at the quality of your relationships, and see if there is not something there that is repugnant of the nature of the God you are petitioning.”
“The entirety of the biblical narrative could be read as the story of God’s attempt to earn his people back into right praise, not because God needs such devotion, but precisely because such devotion is tantamount to human flourishing.”
“The action of bringing an animal to the tabernacle (and later to the temple) for sacrifice, was an implicit statement, that what was happening to the animals should, by rights, be happening to the offerer of sacrifice.”
“Everything that happens to us is, directly, or indirectly, is an expression of the will of God. Whatever exists has been either directly willed by God, or permitted by God as part of his providential design.”
“God wants us to ask, seek, and petition persistently, not in order that he might be changed, but that we might be changed.”
“God, the unmoved mover, can never be changed by our prayer. Nevertheless, God can arrange his providential governance of the universe in such a way that what he wants to give will be coordinated with our asking for it. On this reading, whatever is good and right and true in our prayer is God already praying in us, adjusting our desire to his desire.”
“As they listen to the word, Christians realize that they don’t tell their own story, but rather that they already belong to a story, and that their freedom is authentically discovered in relation to that narrative.”
“Even if you aren’t personally feeling what the Psalmist is feeling, trust me, someone in the body of Christ is. You are praying on behalf of that person and in union with that person. The same goes for psalms of joy. Even if you’re not in the mood that day to jump up and down, somebody else in the body of Christ is, and you are exulting for them.”
“Jesus died young and alone. Abandoned even by his closest friends. He was deemed a failure and hung on a brutal instrument of torture. And this death was not simply a tragedy, a calamity from which we should turn our eyes... Rather, somehow it was the whole point (of his existence).”
“Because the Son has gone to the limits of godforsakeness, we run from the father only to find ourselves, at the end of our running, in the arms of the Son.”
“We must never forget what God has done on our behalf, and we must never fail to make that love the structure and foundation of our lives.”
December 8, 2024
As a cradle Catholic, I feel I know how to pray really well, but having a relationship with the Lord is a whole different thing. This book bridges the gap in a way, explaining the why behind many church practices. While I think it could have elaborated more in certain sections, it was a great overview of the Catholic prayer life for all stages of Catholics. It was a great addition to my reading routine and deepened my faith in little ways.
June 25, 2025
Weighing in at only 123 pages, this book packs a punch. I loved it. I read it slowly, a chapter or two sprinkled into my prayer every now and then, and it injected a lot of new concepts and energy into my prayer life. 10/10 would recommend for a manageable book on deepening your prayer life. I especially loved the chapters on the four rules of prayer, the stations of the cross, the Holy Hour, the Jesus prayer, the Psalms, and the de profundis. So, basically I loved almost every chapter. Willing to loan out my copy.
March 10, 2025
It’s a great first step for new Catholics trying to sort out all the rules about prayer. Whether you’ve just joined the church or are coming back after a long break, this will help you sort out what prayer means and what to aim for. Later sections give you descriptions of the major prayers, the ones you’ll encounter and are encouraged to do. It’s all very encouraging and doesn’t take a “nagging” approach nor does it suggest that you’re a failure if you don’t get things right the first time. Very helpful!
April 12, 2025
I think Bishop Barron hits the mark he set with his title. Great introduction to and overview of Catholic prayer.
August 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this collection of short works! A great prayer companion. The chapters were only a few pages each which made it easy to read. It definitely expanded my view on many important topics surrounding prayer! I love Bishop Barron’s writing style.
December 26, 2024
Excellent! So many awesome reflections on prayers - Lectio Divina, the Our Father, The Jesus Prayer, and others.
January 16, 2025
It's mostly fine!
March 21, 2025
first spiritual reading for this lenten szn!!! and thankyou to chris who so lovingly gave this to me when we met before i flew off, wah actually lowkey providential bc i was thinking about buying this book during cur but i j never got around to it bc i am lazy but SOMETIMES IFL I RLY DK how to pray like forever qning if i am doing it right or wtv so i j want a book w instructions. and this was not that HAHHA bc there isn't rly a set template of what prayer looks like la but that is j my own struggle to confront // think what stood out to me in this book was the reminder that it is in prayer that we are connected to the church!!! that when we pray we are one // also touched on the idea of allowing prayer to rly be a conversation btw friends and hv been rly desiring a deeper friendship w jesus la like to not j be so formal about it bc that's not how i am in my friendships // the reminder to rly grow in comfort with silence in prayer and the importance of having the right posture in prayer // think the break down of more standard liturgical, scriptural and devotional prayers in the catholic church was also v eye opening for me like all the mass, the liturgy of the hours, the creed (bro was talking to a catholic recently and he shared that sometimes he just turns to the creed to check his own beliefs and when he reads a line that he feels like is doesn't fully identify with or accept then he brings it to God in prayer and ifl that is such good advice leh to check where our hearts are and not in a condemning way that oh we don't believe but rly to j sit with it and bring it to God to ask for help and answers and guidance u know), the rosary, stations of the cross, lectio divina, our father, the psalms, etc // "when we pray, the son stands beside us with his arm around our shoulder, helping us to pray to the father in the holy spirit" WHAT AN IMAGE! // the simple call to just do as God tells you to in prayer. // also loved that i own this book bc then i cld highlight and write and ifl i always need that like actually i don't own many books but i hv given up on the desire to keep my books pristine and all like i am a firm believer in highlighting and writing and making it your own, but that might also be bc my brain is small and i forget things easily so it is v helpful to know what i used to think and then see whether i still think the same and all
November 6, 2025
A short book with a long reach. An Introduction to Prayer may only be 120 pages, but it overflows with wisdom, clarity, and warmth. Bishop Barron has that rare gift of making theology both profound and practical - he writes as a teacher, but speaks as a friend.
This little book covers the essentials: why we pray, how we pray, the great traditions and types of prayer, and how to move from reciting words to entering genuine conversation with God. It’s accessible, beautifully written, and deeply rooted in Catholic spirituality - yet universal enough for any Christian seeking a deeper prayer life.
I especially recommend the audiobook, narrated by Bishop Barron himself - hearing him speak these reflections adds a layer of calm authority that feels almost like a retreat in itself.
Simple, inspiring, and full of quiet depth - the perfect companion for anyone looking to renew their prayer life or rediscover the joy of daily communion with God.
This little book covers the essentials: why we pray, how we pray, the great traditions and types of prayer, and how to move from reciting words to entering genuine conversation with God. It’s accessible, beautifully written, and deeply rooted in Catholic spirituality - yet universal enough for any Christian seeking a deeper prayer life.
I especially recommend the audiobook, narrated by Bishop Barron himself - hearing him speak these reflections adds a layer of calm authority that feels almost like a retreat in itself.
Simple, inspiring, and full of quiet depth - the perfect companion for anyone looking to renew their prayer life or rediscover the joy of daily communion with God.
April 30, 2025
Bishop Barron’s An Introduction to Prayer is a thoughtful and accessible starting point for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual life or simply rethink how they approach prayer. In his usual style, Barron brings clarity and warmth to big theological ideas, making them feel approachable without watering anything down. If you’re familiar with his work, some of this will feel familiar (but that’s not a bad thing).
The book strikes a nice balance between inspiration and practicality. Rather than offering a step-by-step prayer manual, it focuses more on the why of prayer: what it means, why it matters, and how it draws us into closer relationship with God. There are a few helpful frameworks and touchpoints (Mass, the Our Father, etc.), but it’s less about technique and more about cultivating the right mindset.
Whether you’ve been praying your whole life or are just starting to explore the idea again, there’s something grounding and encouraging here. My dad recommended this to me, and even though I grew up in the faith, I still got a lot out of it. It’s one of those rare books that truly has something for everyone.
The book strikes a nice balance between inspiration and practicality. Rather than offering a step-by-step prayer manual, it focuses more on the why of prayer: what it means, why it matters, and how it draws us into closer relationship with God. There are a few helpful frameworks and touchpoints (Mass, the Our Father, etc.), but it’s less about technique and more about cultivating the right mindset.
Whether you’ve been praying your whole life or are just starting to explore the idea again, there’s something grounding and encouraging here. My dad recommended this to me, and even though I grew up in the faith, I still got a lot out of it. It’s one of those rare books that truly has something for everyone.
April 1, 2025
So I have to admit that other than the daily emails on the Gospel reading for the day there hasn’t been any of Bishop Barron’s writings let alone his books that I could enjoy enough to finish - until this one. I had to smile as my Pastor recommended the Jesus prayer in breathing in and out, which is also in this book. From there Bishop Barron takes you to higher and deeper prayer very systematically. Love how he’s so cultured that in one moment you’re with him at the Sorbonne and then the next moment you’re looking at a back issue of The Rolling Stones. After thoroughly enjoying this book I felt confident enough to venture to his other titles. I’m thinking I’ll now be able to enjoy his other works finally!
April 12, 2025
I got this book while in Hilton Head, at Church of the Holy Family. They had it there for a mission they were going to have later in Lent. It is very inspiring the info the Bishop gives.
I have to really disagree with the Priest who thought his parishioners would not be able to comprehend Bishop Barron because there was Latin phrases in the text.It was kind of belittling them. He never defends his position. Did he think that only the religious understand the use of Latin? How small.
I am better instructed every time I read one of the Bishop’s book.
It was only by God that I was given the opportunity to come across this book. What is sad is that I probably was not ready for such instructions when I was younger. Now that I am 74 I am eager to receive this teaching.
I have to really disagree with the Priest who thought his parishioners would not be able to comprehend Bishop Barron because there was Latin phrases in the text.It was kind of belittling them. He never defends his position. Did he think that only the religious understand the use of Latin? How small.
I am better instructed every time I read one of the Bishop’s book.
It was only by God that I was given the opportunity to come across this book. What is sad is that I probably was not ready for such instructions when I was younger. Now that I am 74 I am eager to receive this teaching.
April 3, 2025
A short devotional book with excellent meditations on various Catholic prayers and aspects of prayer. I found this extremely beneficial and meditative. It's broken into seven sections such as "Types of Prayer, Contemplative Prayer, Liturgical Prayer" etc. Each of these sections contains three or four meditations (each a few pages long). I never wanted to read more than one or two at a time because I found them all so rich and worth meditating on.
I would read it again and hope to loan it out and/or buy copies for friends and family.
I would read it again and hope to loan it out and/or buy copies for friends and family.
August 16, 2025
Bishop Rober Barron does a nice, engaging job of describing what prayer is, how to pray, what to pray, where to pray and why. I took a lot from this quick read and learned a lot as well. I’m certain it will deepen my prayer life a little, if not a lot. Highly recommend if you feel stalemated in prayer, aren’t certain why or how to pray, or if you just need a refresher on what you already know or have learned. Worth the time. And I believe this would speak well to all Christians, not just Catholic.
November 21, 2025
This is a compilation of brief meditations Bishop Barron has written on Catholic prayer. While this is a collection of individual pieces, they have been organized in a manner to give the reader a logical progression on how to think about and approach prayer. It is short enough to read in its entirety, but the reader could also benefit from reading about individual topics that are addressed in concise yet cogent manner.
Like all of Bishop Barron's works, this is a wonderful introduction to prayer that will lead many faithful Catholics who want to dig in more.
Like all of Bishop Barron's works, this is a wonderful introduction to prayer that will lead many faithful Catholics who want to dig in more.
February 15, 2025
I'm a fan of Bishop Barron. I got this book for Christmas from my priest and I've enjoyed reading it. There were some prayers I had never heard of in here. Each one was presented in a different light. The author demonstrates how these prayers proved to be useful tools in the lives of others and their history. I liked this book because of the author's ability to bring these prayers life and validation in our busy modern life.
March 14, 2025
“An Introduction to Prayer” is a totally outstanding introduction to why we pray, who we are praying to, and the prayers we are familiar with. Bishop Barron wrote this book and narrated the audio version. Listening to Bishop Barron narrate this book he has written gave me a unique understanding of the value and use of these prayers in our ongoing relationship with GOD. I highly recommend this book and encourage listening to the audio book version. Experienced as an AUDIO book
April 19, 2025
Received this for free from a Christmas mass, but ended up not picking it up to read until the Lenten season. I thought there was a lot of sound advice and material in this, but found it to be a bit advanced if someone were to be just getting into their faith/prayer. Bishop Barren is obviously very intelligent and has a lot to share, so I’m grateful of him for the time and knowledge he put into this.
August 18, 2024
Outstanding spiritual resource
This latest offering from Bishop Robert Barron is an outstanding spiritual resource. From liturgy of the hours to lectio divina, this book is a comprehensive explanation of ways to grow closer to God. It is a profoundly helpful guide to spiritual growth.
This latest offering from Bishop Robert Barron is an outstanding spiritual resource. From liturgy of the hours to lectio divina, this book is a comprehensive explanation of ways to grow closer to God. It is a profoundly helpful guide to spiritual growth.
September 19, 2024
It includes a lot of prayer styles, some very advanced, but also leaves a lot out (imaginative, Celtic, Franciscan, the Examen...). I didn't appreciate his opinions being written like they are Catholic teaching (like thoughts on substitutionary atonement and how God's will works). But you can tell his devotionand does have some great quotes and imagery.
February 2, 2025
Who is this book for? The title and topics indicate it’s for beginners. But, are beginners comfortable with casual use of words like “Inimical”, “botheration,” “velleity” or theological words like “eschatological”? Nearly every page had a word that pulled me out of the book’s message.
I hoped it’d be a good Confirmation gift, but it’s too technical. I’m really not sure who it’s targeting.
I hoped it’d be a good Confirmation gift, but it’s too technical. I’m really not sure who it’s targeting.
April 28, 2025
This was a Lenten read for our parish and I really enjoyed learning more about different types of prayer. Barron's explanations involve quite a bit of history, theory, and practice - all of which work together nicely. I liked how compact this book was and how each of the sections were short but impactful. There's definitely a lot here that I can use!
July 10, 2025
This book is short and approachable in both writing style and size, but not too elementary. Bishop Robert assumes the intelligence of his readers and speaks with reverence and humility toward the act of prayer. Even while reading about types of prayer I consider myself familiar with, I found inspiration and new perspective several times. A refreshing read.
July 16, 2025
Excellent Introduction to Prayer…
Prayer is essential for life, Bishop Barron’s book is an excellent introduction to prayer. He covers why we should pray, how we should pray and various forms of prayer. I never really thought of the Catholic Mass as a prayer but after Bishop Barron’s explanation, I agree and find it more enlightening. Highly recommended…SLT
Prayer is essential for life, Bishop Barron’s book is an excellent introduction to prayer. He covers why we should pray, how we should pray and various forms of prayer. I never really thought of the Catholic Mass as a prayer but after Bishop Barron’s explanation, I agree and find it more enlightening. Highly recommended…SLT
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