Prayer and Temperament: Different Prayer Forms for Different Personality Types

by Chester P. Michael, Marie C. Norrisey

During the past decade with its emphasis on personal growth and fulfillment, a good amount of interest has been generated concerning the relationship between one's temperament or personality and one's style of prayer and spirituality. During many workshops, seminars, retreat experiences, and in the spiritual direction of numerous persons, the authors have been experimenting with the theory that there is a relationship between one's temperament and the kind of prayer or spirituality that is practiced by different persons. Furthermore, in 1982, 457 persons from all over the country were recruited to engage in a year-long project to discern the value of various prayer forms for the different psychological types of human personality. Of those taking part in the project, 98% testified to the value of choosing a method of prayer which was compatible to their temperament. A brief summary of the book's contents is as Chapter One of the book gives an overview of the history and development of the theory of temperament followed by a brief description of how temperament has affected the development of prayer and spirituality throughout the Christian Era. A chapter is then devoted to each of the five types of personal prayer which the Christian tradition has developed over the centuries. How each temperament might use its Shadow and Inferior Function in prayer is then explored. Finally, the theory of temperament is applied to public prayer or liturgy, especially the Eucharist.

Genres: Spirituality, Prayer, Psychology, Christian, Theology, Catholic, Faith

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Bailey L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a unique niche book that combines my love for MBTI and desire to grow in prayer The prayer suggestions for each temperament were all super rich and I’m excited to start trying them. I’m not sure I would tell many people to read this book though — it’s more of a reference guide probably for most. If you just tried the prayer suggestions though - regardless of your type - I think anyone could find value out of it. Very glad I read it!

[Jim Baesler · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few books on personality and prayer based on survey data, workshops, retreats, and spiritual direction. Personality types [(a): world orientation: Intro/Extro-vert, (b) perceiving function: Sense/iNtuition, & (c) judging function: Think/Feel] are matched with different types/clusters of prayer named after saints: SJ Ignatian (prayer projects self into scriptural scene, engage the senses, bring back fruit for daily life), NF Augustinian (prayer transposes scripture into creative possibilities for everyday life, SP Franciscan (prayer celebrates life spontaneously in the present moment with praise, worship, and service), NT Thomistic (prayer of discursive meditation to find truth and apply it to one's life)...

Recommendation is to use one's dominant and auxiliary functions (the two most developed functions of one's personality) in everyday prayer during the week, and develop one's inferior and tertiary functions (the two least developed functions--the opposite of dominant and auxiliary) during the weekend...interesting to note that many transcendental experiences are related to developing the unconscious functions of our personality which are related to the inferior and tertiary functions...this evolves as a process, normally after one is competent in the dominant and auxiliary functions (about age 30)...finally, a simple way to summarize this is: try out all the prayer recommendations, and do what "works" for you.

[Brett Marko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the connection between temperament and prayer style. I found the assessment of prayer preferences to be spot on. I taught parts of this book to my Sunday school class and they enjoyed being introduced to new styles of prayer. If I had any criticism of the book is that it is extremely Catholic centric and I could see how those hailing from a Protestant background could have some trouble with aspects of this book.

One very good take away from the book is that our greatest spiritual growth will come from prayer methods we are not initially comfortable with. This mirrors my own experience. Secondly, my Sunday school class enjoyed the prayer exercises in the book as well.

[Victoria Slotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I marked this as "finished," but this is not a book you really finish. Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the authors outline what approach to prayer works best for each unique personality and how to grow through use of other prayer forms. I am keeping this book (that I've read through more than once) in my "snake-bite kit" because it offers many suggestions for prayer for each type. For anyone who is, or would be a pray-er, this is a wonderful source. Though based on a Catholic/Christian model, I can see how this can be applied to any spiritual orientation with a bit of creative tweaking.

[Eric Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and helpful combination of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Kiersey-Bates Temperament Sorter, and classic approaches to prayer and spirituality.

Written from a Roman Catholic perspective, the authors pair four basic personality types (SJ, SP, NT, NF) with four ways of praying: Ignatian (SJ), Augustinian (NF), Franciscan (SP), and Thomistic (NT).

In addition, the authors provide sample prayer exercises for each type, as well as recommendations (in a detailed Appendix II) for developing one's personality opposite.

[Jungsook Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prayer and Temperament is written by Monsignor Chester P. Michael(1916-2014). The author suggests different pryer forms for different personality types. His theory is based on MBTI. I, as a person who is not excited about MBTI, have had a bit of difficulty to appreciat Fr. Chester's analysis and suggestions.

These are parts that I want to remind of me in the future.
When we deal with Scripture,

1. Read-Seek,
2. Meditate-Find,
3. Pray-Call (Adoration, Conrititon, Thanksgiving, and Supplication)
4. Contemplate-the door will be opened to you (to catch any reconciling symbols that might emerge from the depths of our unconscious)

This is for union with God hereon earth.

This book shows not only how to deal with our strong points in our personality but also shows some methods how to handle our shadows(hidden under the unconsciousness).

According to Jung, 80 percent of the shadow is gold ore waiting to be dug out the the depths of our unconscious and put to work in our conscious lives. This unconscious side of our psyche can be the best source or the worst one in an individual or socity. It is our task to bring them up from within and put to good use in the service of God, and our fellow human beings and ourselves.

There are four forms of prayers based on our temperament.

The SJ-Spiriturality Ignatian
The SP-Franciscan
The NT-Thomistic
The NF-Augustinian

What this book advises us is that the more we approach to all the types of prayers and enjoy them instead of sticking to our favorite type of prayer, the more fruitful our spiritual lives will become and we will be united with Jesus on the earth.

[Dragos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book building a bridge between understanding human temperament, mainly using MBTI approach and the preferred way to pray and worship under catholic church frame of reference. This is more than a christian book per and I consider it a very applied, hands on understanding of human diversity.

[Jara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished “Prayer and Temperament” by C. Michael and N. Norrisey; it was both informative and fun. The premise of the book is that different personality types are attracted to different types of prayer. This makes a good deal of sense but is a point of view I had not thought that much about, until I started this book.

The book uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicators (MBTI) to determine the types of prayers you may find to be the most attractive to you. While in my business career the MBTI was used on a regular basis to help with group dynamics, I have never thought of it as employed by this book. The authors do not take a hard and fast stance about the accuracy of the test, although I have found it to be spot on, or the accuracy of their projections regarding what a person will find interesting; this was very refreshing.

Prior to reading the book I took a free Myers-Briggs test on-line to get a score; I had not taken one in six or seven years. If anyone reading this tries to find a test be sure to google “Free Myers-Briggs” there are some that charge for the test. Having your score will add a great deal to your enjoyment of the book.

I am scheduled to participate in a workshop that uses this book as one of several resources employed during the sessions. I feel very good about the conclusions I reached about my own prayer life but really am looking forward to comparing notes with the director of the workshop.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting review of prayer methods as correlated with Keirseyan temperament. Suggestions, ideas, and examination of the Jungian functions from a Christian perspective.

Written by a Roman Catholic priest; I found it very encouraging and quite inspiring, on the whole. Somewhat heavy-going in places, and the author uses similar (and not very intuitive) names for the four main methods he perceives of approaching the Bible and God.

But much to think about, and well worth dipping into.

Latest review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Jeff Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Certainly not what I expected or was hoping for. I'm certain I have reaped some benefit. Using the Meyers-Briggs personality tests this book applies these types to saints like Augustine, Aquinas, Francis and Ignatius and then suggests that we understand our own type and develop others in order to have a more fulfilling prayer life.

At several points I felt the book became a little too mystical (the word "transcendent" appeared often), but maybe that's just my personality type. Definitely written from a Catholic perspective (which was also kind of a hindrance to me) and made heavy use of lectio divina with all personality types which remains a struggle for me.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed the Myers briggs personality types. Interesting is the application to types of prayer for different temperaments. as a learner/practicer of lectio divina, i found it very helpful.
the author, chet Michael was the spiritual director at a Cursillo I attended in VA 22 years ago. He is elderly and still preaching. a wonderful, down-to-earth priest. He has also written Arise, more depth. this is my second read.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read. Second time of reading but also studied it this time for my Oblate course. This book is most informative and fun read. Delves into prayer using the 16 personality types. The part I find most interesting is the section on Temperment and Liturgical Prayer, and Appendix two where they deal with the lesser traits of temperment.

[Rev.dulce · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know your Meyers-Briggs personality type, this can help you explore your personality and prayer type much more indepth.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a useful book in helping match the Myers Briggs with how we approach faith! I learned a great deal from it.

[Erin Sundquist]

Recommended by Becca's friend, Tara, from TOB study

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information on the impact of your temperament on your approach to seeking God. Very freeing.

[Lou Florio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful text with many potential applications for one's prayer life.