Prayerfulness: Awakening to the Fullness of Life

by Robert J. Wicks

Now in paperback, Prayerfulness,by Robert J. Wicks--therapist, speaker, and bestselling author of Riding the Dragon--examines what it means to live fully in the present moment, with eyes wide open to life and to God. Blending insights from Christian contemplation and Buddhist mindfulness, Robert J. Wicks offers a brilliant guide to cultivating a receptive and reflective attitude to life. A rich array of insights--including seven practical steps, a thirty-day at-home retreat, and a "spiritual mindfulness questionnaire"--helps readers develop a loving, clear, and balanced outlook. Drawing from classic and contemporary spiritual writing, Wicks explores seven steps to growth in prayerfulness, including creating simple rituals, honoring life's fragility, facing difficulties directly, and befriending anger. Thirty days of reflections, quotations, and questions also guide readers to form or strengthen a practice of daily prayer. A special feature is the innovative spiritual mindfulness questionnaire, a set of thirty open-ended questions that lead to a clearer sense of how present one is to daily life. Filled with practical wisdom and rooted in sound psychological principles, Prayerfulness is a clear and simple manual to living fully in the present moment.

Genres: Prayer, Christianity

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

There is more than one author with this name. See also: Robert Wicks & Robert Wicks.

Robert J. Wicks (born August 2, 1946 in Queens, New York) is a clinical psychologist and writer about the intersection of spirituality and psychology. Wicks is a well known speaker, therapist, and spiritual guide who has taught at universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, and social work for more than thirty years. He a Professor Emeritus at Loyola University Maryland

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt more like a pop psychology self-help book than a primer on prayer. Readings for a 30 day self-directed retreat concludes the book. I took the full 30 days to read through this section, but nothing resonated with me. I was surprised by how rarely God or any member of the Trinity was mentioned. The goal of this book appeared to be self-acceptance, internal tranquility and healthy relationships, all laudable goals, but not intimacy with God or fidelity to Gospel values, which is what I was seeking. 1.5 stars

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insights on prayerfulness and what happens to us when we accept ourselves and the gifts we receive openly, what amazing things can happen to us and those around us. When we share genuinely with an open heart, we receive just as much if not more in return.

The book instructs us in little steps to begin and add to the increments and intensity of our prayerfulness.

Two of many favorite quotes from the book are:
1.). Have a heart that never hardens and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts. Charles Dickens
2.) Life is more exciting if your focus on the possibilities!

I will leave you with the best quote from the book:

“To be spiritual means to know and to live according to the knowledge that there is more to life than meets the eye. To be spiritual is to live knowing that God is present to you in grace. To be open to this is to accept who you are and who you are called to become.”

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept this book in my yoga bag and would read it while I waited between work and the start of yoga class. I found myself looking forward to "waiting" for the first time in a very long time. This book brings peace and serenity and a deeper understanding of prayer.