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Conversation With Christ
— A Classic — Includes Active Table of Contents — Includes Religious Illustrations
THE WORLD has changed in many ways since the initial publication of this book, but the fact that it continues to be published in edition after edition over the years suggests that there might very well be something quite changeless about what the book discusses.
Aeterna Press
THE WORLD has changed in many ways since the initial publication of this book, but the fact that it continues to be published in edition after edition over the years suggests that there might very well be something quite changeless about what the book discusses.
Aeterna Press
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1980
202 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 22, 2024
I am consoled by the fact that St. Teresa of Avila needed a spiritual book to help her to meditate for 15 years! After this she complained that most of her meditations felt arid but towards the end of her life she was able to say, “Jesus gives Himself [in Holy Communion]” and she would go into ecstasy.
The only meditation example that I found useful at my current stage in life was the author’s breakdown of the Our Father prayer with meditations after every few words. But the principles of the book are extremely helpful and I hope to start my path to “pray always” by contemplating all the time too.
The only meditation example that I found useful at my current stage in life was the author’s breakdown of the Our Father prayer with meditations after every few words. But the principles of the book are extremely helpful and I hope to start my path to “pray always” by contemplating all the time too.
March 6, 2021
A very good primer for anyone wishing to take up the practice of mental prayer. Simply by faithful, consistent conversation with Christ, we can reach a very high degree of spiritual perfection.
December 29, 2024
This (along with Time for God and Armchair Mystic) has now become my go-to introductory prayer book! A great treatise on prayer in general, and a great look at Carmelite spirituality through the thoughts of St. Teresa of Avila on meditative prayer. I would recommend to anyone!
January 28, 2021
It is an invitation and a challenge. A lot of it is repetitive, but Satan is not that original. We face the same challenges, and need some of the same reminders.
December 5, 2024
A great book all around! Highly suggest this for anyone looking to deepen their prayer life, start praying, or those going thru desolation, dry seasons etc... perf for everyone.
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January 14, 2021Over a year ago my old, old friend St. Therese of Lisieux and my then-new friend St. Elizabeth of the Trinity drew me towards a deeper interest in contemplative prayer. I was struck when reading a biography of St. Elizabeth how she walked in the convent garden at night gazing at the stars, and though she was silent, it was obvious to her convent sisters that she was deep in conversation with her God. I wanted to walk under the stars with my Beloved too, and speak to Him in the quiet of my heart. I read Fr. Dubay's excellent book Fire Within: Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and the Gospel - On Prayer and it only increased that desire, particularly through his insistence (right in line with Elizabeth) that mental prayer is for everyone, including the busy lay people in the world.
Conversation with Christ by Fr. Rohrbach filled the gap for me between deeply desiring to practice mental prayer and actually doing it. Fr. Dubay's book was rich and beautiful and in one way made mental prayer accessible, but it with Fr. Rohrbach who took me through the process step by practical step. He's very clear that this book is for absolute beginners in mental prayer. While he touches briefly on advanced prayer and infused contemplation towards the end, the bulk of the book is concerned with no more than breaking down the steps of mental prayer - namely the preparation, the reading, the imagination, the consideration, and the conversation - for the beginner. He even gives a demonstration of what this might look like in one small section.
His explanation of one of two alternative methods of meditation, meditative reading, has also really helped me into a better and dare I say more efficient (because prayer does involve method) routine of practicing Lectio Divina, which is so important to me as a Benedictine oblate.
I want to reiterate that, according to the great Carmelite saints themselves, mental prayer is for everyone. It's not the exclusive domain of great mystics. The saints will go further and tell us that not only is mental prayer possible for everyone, but it's necessary for the advancement in the spiritual life. This book is an excellent introduction and concrete guide to the practice.
(Fr. Rohrbach briefly touches on the aids to meditation - recollection, detachment, and spiritual reading - which have to do with how we live our lives outside of our dedicated prayer time. How we choose to live will greatly facilitate, or hinder, our conversation with Christ. I'd recommend Knowing the Love of God by Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange to pursue this topic of the broader spiritual life more in-depth, albeit in a format still suitable for beginners.)
(Two biographies of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity that I've read: He is My Heaven: The Life of Elizabeth of the Trinity and The Praise of Glory. Goodreads says that the latter is by the saint herself, but this is incorrect. My understanding is that her Mother Superior wrote it, but at any rate it was distributed by her convent to share her sanctity with the world. If you don't know this beautiful young saint yet, I highly recommend introducing yourself! She's a powerful advocate.)
Conversation with Christ by Fr. Rohrbach filled the gap for me between deeply desiring to practice mental prayer and actually doing it. Fr. Dubay's book was rich and beautiful and in one way made mental prayer accessible, but it with Fr. Rohrbach who took me through the process step by practical step. He's very clear that this book is for absolute beginners in mental prayer. While he touches briefly on advanced prayer and infused contemplation towards the end, the bulk of the book is concerned with no more than breaking down the steps of mental prayer - namely the preparation, the reading, the imagination, the consideration, and the conversation - for the beginner. He even gives a demonstration of what this might look like in one small section.
His explanation of one of two alternative methods of meditation, meditative reading, has also really helped me into a better and dare I say more efficient (because prayer does involve method) routine of practicing Lectio Divina, which is so important to me as a Benedictine oblate.
I want to reiterate that, according to the great Carmelite saints themselves, mental prayer is for everyone. It's not the exclusive domain of great mystics. The saints will go further and tell us that not only is mental prayer possible for everyone, but it's necessary for the advancement in the spiritual life. This book is an excellent introduction and concrete guide to the practice.
(Fr. Rohrbach briefly touches on the aids to meditation - recollection, detachment, and spiritual reading - which have to do with how we live our lives outside of our dedicated prayer time. How we choose to live will greatly facilitate, or hinder, our conversation with Christ. I'd recommend Knowing the Love of God by Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange to pursue this topic of the broader spiritual life more in-depth, albeit in a format still suitable for beginners.)
(Two biographies of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity that I've read: He is My Heaven: The Life of Elizabeth of the Trinity and The Praise of Glory. Goodreads says that the latter is by the saint herself, but this is incorrect. My understanding is that her Mother Superior wrote it, but at any rate it was distributed by her convent to share her sanctity with the world. If you don't know this beautiful young saint yet, I highly recommend introducing yourself! She's a powerful advocate.)
November 12, 2014
Elegant and erudite book taught the basics of Saint Teresa's prayer in carefully restored cultural and religious context, then recontextualised it into a layperson Christian's daily practice and offered a breakdown of the practice of conversation with Christ in a lay faith context.
Honestly, it looks just like the Jewish method of talking to God, with more structure. What's it called again, hitbodedut? Devekut?
I liked the book. A quick enjoyable read. I think outside the monastic context it is a little bare, but it's still serviceable as a reconstructed practice.
I particularly like the idea of Teresa meditating with a book in hand as a guide for her meditation. Another tradition in the future might call this Book Zen!
Honestly, it looks just like the Jewish method of talking to God, with more structure. What's it called again, hitbodedut? Devekut?
I liked the book. A quick enjoyable read. I think outside the monastic context it is a little bare, but it's still serviceable as a reconstructed practice.
I particularly like the idea of Teresa meditating with a book in hand as a guide for her meditation. Another tradition in the future might call this Book Zen!
December 30, 2023
This is truly an amazing introductory book on how to pray and grow closer to God in meditation. Practical, concise, and overall a darn tootin’ good time
August 16, 2025
How to become a saint??? Daily. Mental. Prayer.
May 5, 2021
Blaming a bad translation or editing for the version I read. Hard to follow.
October 20, 2021
Best book on prayer I’ve read to date, and it has examples at the end of what the difference methods look like in action. Totally recommend!!
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May 21, 20252025-05-21
Review 2025.04.007
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
Conversation With Christ by Peter-Thomas Rohrbach
119 Pages
When I purchased the book, I was not paying attention and thought it was written by Saint Teresa of Avila but it obviously was not. However, St. Teresa was the main reference for the entire book. Teaching about prayer by her example.
It was a very short book but it had a lot of good material. It was much more approachable for me than St. Teresa directly. Not to say that her books are difficult to read but they were written in the 1500s and in Spanish so there are obviously some cultural and style differences. So if you are interested in a primer on St. Teresa and her prayer life but intimidated by her books, then this is a great place to start.
One of the points that sticks out from the book is that prayer is just talking to our Father and our Friend. The illustration the author used was great.
“The story is related of a small girl who, after the reception of her first Holy Communion, was questioned tenderly by her parents as to what she had done when she arrived back at her pew and bowed her head prayerfully. She hesitated momentarily, and then said in her thin, small voice: “I prayed to Our Lord for Mommy and Daddy, and for my sister Helen, and my brother George; and then I recited the alphabet to Our Lord and told him a ghost story. “We, of course, smile indulgently at the naivete and innocence of the small child; but after reflecting on the story, we might suddenly wake to the realization that the girl possessed the proper approach to prayer— she was actually talking to Our Lord.”
If all the followers of Jesus could remember this every time we prayed, the world would be significantly different. Unfortunately we get trapped in praying to others instead of to God or we follow examples we have had of only asking for things which is not bad but also not a complete picture of prayer. How many times have you or I told God a ghost story or something equivalent?
The book contains practical advice on growing stronger in your prayer life. The author talks about the use of books and scripture to guide the time of prayer. I use both and find them both very helpful. I am a reader so words are generally more impactful in my life than other things. As I have mentioned in a previous review, I read a prayer book for 30 minutes every morning which is a modification of the form the author discusses in this book. This specifically helps me stay grounded in prayer by learning how others pray.
There are 22 chapters in the 119 page book so less than 10 pages per chapter. Some are significantly shorter and so you can read them quickly and spend time processing them. I appreciate short chapters even though it probably makes me read more to get done with one more chapter instead of letting it sink in. I know that was the case with this book because I did not remember it until I pulled up my highlights and then it all flooded back. That is not a slight on the book but on me not giving the book time to work in the depths of my soul.
I can highly recommend this book to people who want to grow in their prayer lives, are interested in meditation, and the mystics.
Review 2025.04.007
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
Conversation With Christ by Peter-Thomas Rohrbach
119 Pages
When I purchased the book, I was not paying attention and thought it was written by Saint Teresa of Avila but it obviously was not. However, St. Teresa was the main reference for the entire book. Teaching about prayer by her example.
It was a very short book but it had a lot of good material. It was much more approachable for me than St. Teresa directly. Not to say that her books are difficult to read but they were written in the 1500s and in Spanish so there are obviously some cultural and style differences. So if you are interested in a primer on St. Teresa and her prayer life but intimidated by her books, then this is a great place to start.
One of the points that sticks out from the book is that prayer is just talking to our Father and our Friend. The illustration the author used was great.
“The story is related of a small girl who, after the reception of her first Holy Communion, was questioned tenderly by her parents as to what she had done when she arrived back at her pew and bowed her head prayerfully. She hesitated momentarily, and then said in her thin, small voice: “I prayed to Our Lord for Mommy and Daddy, and for my sister Helen, and my brother George; and then I recited the alphabet to Our Lord and told him a ghost story. “We, of course, smile indulgently at the naivete and innocence of the small child; but after reflecting on the story, we might suddenly wake to the realization that the girl possessed the proper approach to prayer— she was actually talking to Our Lord.”
If all the followers of Jesus could remember this every time we prayed, the world would be significantly different. Unfortunately we get trapped in praying to others instead of to God or we follow examples we have had of only asking for things which is not bad but also not a complete picture of prayer. How many times have you or I told God a ghost story or something equivalent?
The book contains practical advice on growing stronger in your prayer life. The author talks about the use of books and scripture to guide the time of prayer. I use both and find them both very helpful. I am a reader so words are generally more impactful in my life than other things. As I have mentioned in a previous review, I read a prayer book for 30 minutes every morning which is a modification of the form the author discusses in this book. This specifically helps me stay grounded in prayer by learning how others pray.
There are 22 chapters in the 119 page book so less than 10 pages per chapter. Some are significantly shorter and so you can read them quickly and spend time processing them. I appreciate short chapters even though it probably makes me read more to get done with one more chapter instead of letting it sink in. I know that was the case with this book because I did not remember it until I pulled up my highlights and then it all flooded back. That is not a slight on the book but on me not giving the book time to work in the depths of my soul.
I can highly recommend this book to people who want to grow in their prayer lives, are interested in meditation, and the mystics.
July 25, 2025
This book is an excellent introduction to mental prayer for beginners. It takes the essential principles from the method of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross and succinctly explains them in a very readable and practical style. The author also includes many quotes from Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Alphonsus de Liguori.
Catholics often have the false impression that mental prayer is a complicated, esoteric practice best left to monks or nuns, or is some practice reserved for those who are already well advanced in the spiritual life.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. The author shows that mental prayer is very simple and easy for anyone. It is simply, as Saint Teresa defined it, "nothing else than intimate friendship...with Him [Our Lord Jesus Christ]." It is the "royal highway to heaven" and indispensable for the Catholic to truly make progress in the spiritual life. As Saint Claude la Colombière wrote, "He prays very little who prays only when he is on his knees."
Rohrbach has chapters where he addresses the method of mental prayer, difficulties in practicing it, and advanced forms of mental prayer.
Catholics often have the false impression that mental prayer is a complicated, esoteric practice best left to monks or nuns, or is some practice reserved for those who are already well advanced in the spiritual life.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. The author shows that mental prayer is very simple and easy for anyone. It is simply, as Saint Teresa defined it, "nothing else than intimate friendship...with Him [Our Lord Jesus Christ]." It is the "royal highway to heaven" and indispensable for the Catholic to truly make progress in the spiritual life. As Saint Claude la Colombière wrote, "He prays very little who prays only when he is on his knees."
Rohrbach has chapters where he addresses the method of mental prayer, difficulties in practicing it, and advanced forms of mental prayer.
August 30, 2023
If you want to learn to pray well, this book is indispensable and easy to understand
If you want to know God better, and are looking for an easy to understand, step-by-step guide to prayer, as taught by a doctor of the church, this book is the perfect guide! If you’ve got questions, this book has the answers. It is worth every penny, even if it does contain an inordinate amount of typos! This could be the most important book you will ever read. It’s just remarkable that such a topic can be presented in such an entertaining and easy way to understand way. Read it, practice what it preaches, and by all means, share it with friends and family and anyone else you possibly can!
This book will also help if you are wondering what life is all about or if you are feeling hopeless. This book invites you into the ultimate adventure and helps you realize what your life could truly be.
If you want to know God better, and are looking for an easy to understand, step-by-step guide to prayer, as taught by a doctor of the church, this book is the perfect guide! If you’ve got questions, this book has the answers. It is worth every penny, even if it does contain an inordinate amount of typos! This could be the most important book you will ever read. It’s just remarkable that such a topic can be presented in such an entertaining and easy way to understand way. Read it, practice what it preaches, and by all means, share it with friends and family and anyone else you possibly can!
This book will also help if you are wondering what life is all about or if you are feeling hopeless. This book invites you into the ultimate adventure and helps you realize what your life could truly be.
October 25, 2022
Surprisingly very easy to read. Catholics can easily fall into the trap of relying solely on verbal prayer (rosary, divine office, etc) or spiritual reading. While these both are obviously important for our spiritual growth, the idea of simply having a real conversation with Jesus Christ is probably foreign to many Catholics (and Christians!) While the word "meditation" has unfortunately taken a turn toward New Age ideas, St. Theresa of Avila reminds us that it is simply having a conversation with our Lord. She outlines a specific way to have these conversations so it is easy for beginners to start. A very encouraging and enlightening read for me. I highly recommend for any Christian, not just Catholic, who wishes to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a real person.
March 1, 2023
This short book is incredibly rich in detail, but not dense. If you are not familiar with Catholic mental prayer, this is an excellent introduction. It clearly and concisely go through the progression in mental prayer from preparation to conclusion. It is filled with many great quotes from saints, including Saint Teresa of Jesus, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Alphonsus Liguori and Saint Francis de Sales. The book citation provided in the footnotes are great further resources. If you want to grow in your prayer life this is a great read.
February 6, 2021
By far the best explanation and walk through of mental prayer I’ve ever read. Using the method of Saint Teresa of Avila, Rohrbach makes a thorough examination of the principles of mental prayer, giving several alternate methods and aids as well as employing the wisdom of Saints Francis de Sales, John of the Cross, and Thomas a Kempis among others throughout. I’ll be keeping this resource near at hand for years to come.
October 9, 2023
The book itself is excellent. 5 Stars! But the OCR in the Kindle version is horrid. Missing words, paragraphs ending mid-sentence, spaced in the middle of words, the occasional "rn" that should have been "m," etc.
Do yourself a favor and buy the print version a different Kindle version.
The book itself is an explanation of St Theresa's method of meditation and a good introduction before reading her works. Highly recommended.
Do yourself a favor and buy the print version a different Kindle version.
The book itself is an explanation of St Theresa's method of meditation and a good introduction before reading her works. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2025
Poor quality ebook
The content of the message is beneficial although reading St. Teresa herself is more so. I gave this 3 stars because the ebook is flawed and it is distracting. Sentences are not finished at the end of some paragraphs, some words are split.
If you want to read this book get a different edition. Better yet, read St. Teresa’s Autobiography and The Way of Perfection.
The content of the message is beneficial although reading St. Teresa herself is more so. I gave this 3 stars because the ebook is flawed and it is distracting. Sentences are not finished at the end of some paragraphs, some words are split.
If you want to read this book get a different edition. Better yet, read St. Teresa’s Autobiography and The Way of Perfection.
January 12, 2018
Mystical prayer
This book is a must for any Catholic that wants to truly pray. To learn what true prayer it is from the great masters Saint Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. This is a book that has change my life and I have found true intimacy with Christ through mental prayer
This book is a must for any Catholic that wants to truly pray. To learn what true prayer it is from the great masters Saint Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. This is a book that has change my life and I have found true intimacy with Christ through mental prayer
May 3, 2021
Wonderful book on the Teresian outline/method of meditation with the goal of a true conversation with Christ. Very well laid out with many excerpts taken directly from St. Teresa's writings. Engages the reader right where they're at and shows how to go deeper. Rohrbach spends a generous time on common difficulties such as how to handle distractions and aridities.
February 22, 2023
The ideas of St. Teresa, presented in this book, are challenging and inspiring. There are some chapters that are helpful understanding the how, and why, of meditation. However, others were more difficult to follow.
Perhaps upon rereading, after attempting to implement the practices suggested by the book, those sections will be more engaging and beneficial.
Perhaps upon rereading, after attempting to implement the practices suggested by the book, those sections will be more engaging and beneficial.
July 16, 2017
This is an easy to understand explanation of St Teresa of Avila 's method of prayer, much more accessible than her original writings. Many quotes are included, however, so her unique style is captured. She was such an amazing woman, with so much to teach us about intimacy with Christ.
June 14, 2021
For what it was (intro), I thought it was done well. But twenty pages in, I thought to myself, 'why I am I reading this and not St. Teresa directly?'...well, bc TAN puts on $5 book sales every month and they get me every time.
December 31, 2021
A most helpful book
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2021
This is an excellent spiritual guide to meditative prayer and the prayer of quiet. It's a beautiful companion to the "Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila.
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2021
This is an excellent spiritual guide to meditative prayer and the prayer of quiet. It's a beautiful companion to the "Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila.
January 29, 2025
This book about the Teresan method of meditation and personal prayer is extremely well written and understandable to a novice in the practice or one wanting to learn more. It’s an excellent presentation of St Teresa’s teachings in a very structured manner. I highly recommend
July 8, 2025
Beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their prayer life with tangible, clear advice and guidance from St Theresa of Avila. I’ll definitely keep it to refer back to. It was a great start to spiritual direction :)
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July 6, 2019Trata sobre el modo de hacer oración mental. El autor se basa principalmente en los escritos de Santa Teresa de Jesús. Libro sencillo.
November 30, 2019
This book makes it simple for beginners to practice meditation and encouragement to keep up the practice.
January 28, 2021
“The devil knows that he has lost the soul that perseveringly practices mental prayer.” -St. Teresa
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews