What do you think?
Rate this book
Lord Teach Us To Pray: A Guide to the Spiritual Life and Christian Discipleship
Echoing the petition of the disciples, Lord, teach us to pray, this book guides the reader through the challenges of discipleship and the various stages of prayer. Fr. Kirby lovingly and expertly examines this crucial petition, shedding light on its three parts: the call to follow the Lord, to live virtuously, and to pray, while laying out a course for growing in discipleship and strengthening the interior life.
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2014
32 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 9, 2025
Sometimes God knows exactly what you need when you need it. I reached for this book off of our bookshelf, pretty randomly, with no expectations for it. I found, however, that my prayer life has been strengthened, revitalized, and focused in a way that hasn’t been before. I’m grateful for God‘s timing of this book.
I was surprised at how this book came perfectly into what I had been struggling with and gave me opportunity to reflect, take action, and grow with God all while beautifully meeting me where I was at. I’ve never encountered “particular examen” before and have continually gone back to it since finishing this book.
I loved how this book was divided into three parts. Each part challenged my relationship with prayer and with God. I never felt overwhelmed or that it was over my head. Again, the timing of me reading this book felt so perfect and divinely influenced.
Along with being a tool to boost my own prayer and self reflection, Father Kirby includes many other Catholic books that I found myself jotting down for future reading. I am so thankful for such a gift to kickstart myself back into Christ’s arms.
Some favorite quotes:
“We are called to die to ourselves and our sinfulness and live in him and seek to follow him in all our ways” (10).
“Faith is a decision involving one’s whole existence” (13).
“Do we realize how much we need the LORD? Why do we call him LORD and then not do what he tells us?” (48).
“We cannot simply learn how to pray. We must also learn how to live our prayer and follow the Lord Jesus and both virtue and prayer” (49).
5/5
I was surprised at how this book came perfectly into what I had been struggling with and gave me opportunity to reflect, take action, and grow with God all while beautifully meeting me where I was at. I’ve never encountered “particular examen” before and have continually gone back to it since finishing this book.
I loved how this book was divided into three parts. Each part challenged my relationship with prayer and with God. I never felt overwhelmed or that it was over my head. Again, the timing of me reading this book felt so perfect and divinely influenced.
Along with being a tool to boost my own prayer and self reflection, Father Kirby includes many other Catholic books that I found myself jotting down for future reading. I am so thankful for such a gift to kickstart myself back into Christ’s arms.
Some favorite quotes:
“We are called to die to ourselves and our sinfulness and live in him and seek to follow him in all our ways” (10).
“Faith is a decision involving one’s whole existence” (13).
“Do we realize how much we need the LORD? Why do we call him LORD and then not do what he tells us?” (48).
“We cannot simply learn how to pray. We must also learn how to live our prayer and follow the Lord Jesus and both virtue and prayer” (49).
5/5
April 8, 2025
This beautiful little book was a gift to me by a man I met this season in a group called That Man Is You. He is a devout Catholic (and a convert). He is the epitome of gentleness, wisdom, and kindness. So I was anxious to read the book that he shared with me. It is a simple one divided into three sections: Lord, Teach Us, and To Pray. It is direct and encouraging. Father Kirby uses the book as an extended homily and he enlightens us on the meaning of prayer as well as the ways to engage in prayer. It is thoughtful and inspiring. I believe I have gained some needed wisdom from reading it.
December 1, 2014
Very readable and aimed at early adults or those newly associated with the faith. Also beneficial for more senior Catholics with less developed training as has occurred post Vatican II. Very useful ideas for deepening your prayer life and daily devotions. A pleasant surprise. An amiable tone -- just like the author. Consider this book a must.
April 6, 2023
Come For The Prayer, Not For The Peanuts
This book is an excellent resource for those seeking guidance on prayer, combining theology and philosophy to provide a unique perspective on the subject. While some may find the references to Peanuts comics distracting (I for one CAN'T STAND Peanuts), they do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
One of the standout features of the book is its ability to deliver complex ideas in a concise and easy-to-understand manner, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of spiritual and intellectual backgrounds.
Overall, this is a valuable addition to anyone's spiritual library and a must-read for those seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of prayer. I highly recommend it.
4.2/5
This book is an excellent resource for those seeking guidance on prayer, combining theology and philosophy to provide a unique perspective on the subject. While some may find the references to Peanuts comics distracting (I for one CAN'T STAND Peanuts), they do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
One of the standout features of the book is its ability to deliver complex ideas in a concise and easy-to-understand manner, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of spiritual and intellectual backgrounds.
Overall, this is a valuable addition to anyone's spiritual library and a must-read for those seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of prayer. I highly recommend it.
4.2/5
April 5, 2020
Some very good reminders and practical applications. This book is a nice read from Fr. Kirby.
February 16, 2019
There was some useful parts, but overall, I didn't find the book particularly useful. And I don't know if I agree with the theology of this book in the end. However, some may find the discussion useful, especially early on in their spiritual journey.
Read
July 21, 2014He asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Luke 19:41) Awesome question I had not really thought about. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews