A Quiet Place: How Daily Prayer Can Change Your Life

by John Bartunek

If you desire a deeper connection with God or have even the slightest suspicion that something is missing in your spiritual life, then now is the time to enrich and strengthen your faith with A Quiet Place. Whether you pray often or don’t know where to start, Fr. John Bartunek will help you develop a daily habit of prayer. In this small book, he gives you the tools you need to build a relationship with God that leads to lasting joy and peace amidst the constant demands of your everyday life. Get ready to encounter God in a more profound way than ever before—and see for yourself how prayer can change your life forever.

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Christian, Faith, Religion

80 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2017

About the author

Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D, received his BA in History from Stanford University in 1990 and became a member of the Catholic Church in 1991.

After college, he spent a year as a professional actor in Chicago before entering the religious Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ in 1993. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 2003 and earned his doctorate in moral theology in 2010.

He provided spiritual support on the set of Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of the Christ" while researching the 2005 Catholic best seller, "Inside the Passion"--the only authorized, behind-the-scene explanation of the film.

Fr. John has contributed news commentary regarding religious issues on NBC, CNN, Fox, and the BBC. He also served as the English-language press liaison for the Vatican’s 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist.

Reviews

[John Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigued by the title of this short book by Fr. John Bartunek, I decided to dedicate some time to read the author’s masterful reflection on prayer. As the cacophony from so much internal and external upheaval, created in part by our technologically swollen social environment, threatens to engulf each and every person on the planet, the need for a quiet place to calm and refresh the soul is ever more apparent to Christians, to Catholics, and indeed to all persons of good will. Sadly, even prayer, when it isn’t lived within the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence and peace, may become just another area that feeds the buzz and tension in one's head and heart. Yet, sacred space, time, and presence lived in a relationship with God brings a refreshment and joy that many today may hardly fathom, but deeply long for. I hope you will consider reading this book and even more importantly that you will glean from its wisdom carving out a spiritual hideout for yourself to be alone with God.

[Peter Spung · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good how-to manual with specific guidance on the 2-3 Combination as Bartunek called it. The essence of prayer is a relationship, but the practice is an activity. He describes several forms and activities, and lays out a daily 15 minute routine in 3 parts, and suggests a wide variety of activities for each part. My prayer time and relationship with the Lord will improve after putting Bartunek's suggestions into action.

[Mary Rubega · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good practical guide on how to begin a daily prayer life. Throughout it discusses prayer as entering into a personal relationship with God, why it is important and the different forms prayer takes. It also gives suggestions on how to enter into mental/meditative prayer as well as avoiding obstacles of prayer.

[Jenn Molner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I need right now. I find it hard to take “God time” and know how to make that time meaningful. This book provided practical direction and many suggestions for making that prayer time a reality. I know I’ll use it and refer to it again and again.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the western mountains in NC, I read the book. it was filled with methods on prayer and how to deepen your relationship with God. I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely incorporate many of the daily practices.

[Laurie Tilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for the beginner as well as the advanced.

[Antoinette M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminders about prayer and good ideas on how to start and stay focused.

[Amy Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book about prayer. Need to go back and read again and underline for me.

[Cindy]

I enjoyed and appreciated this little book very much. It will stay in the front of my library for quick referral and would be good to reread each year.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book for anyone wanting to deepen their prayer life!

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to help one better understand why prayer is important, how to pray properly and when is best to pray.

[Stephanie Biddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on jump-starting your prayer life. Short, to the point message as to not only the "how", but the "why" of prayer.

[Heartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short and easy read that had many helpful tips to develop one’s prayer life. The major downfall for me was the preachy tone throughout.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and beautiful read to deepen your prayer life and bring you closer to God! In this day and age we could all use a little more prayer in our lives right????

[Stephanie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great perspective / insight into prayer and the different forms of prayer - and good reminder as to why it is so very important to not *miss the opportunity* to attend Mass. Quick and easy read - but I found Praying with a Pen by Mary Beth Weisenburger to be a little more relatable and inspirational - even though the message was very similar.

[Bridget Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for my friend in RCIA and I wanted to read it as well. Father Bartunek explains about daily prayer in this short book. I also found some helpful points and remembers to me about a quiet place to pray.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful guide on prayer... learn how God speaks to you and how to listen.