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When You Pray: A Practical Guide to an Orthodox Life of Prayer
Anyone who prays, or has tried to pray and given up in discouragement, knows praying—really praying—is not easy. Praying consistently seems almost impossible. Too often and too easily, prayer becomes a burden: one more item on an already overcrowded to-do list. Failing to pray becomes a source of guilt and stress as we must once again admit our inconstancy and procrastination to our father confessor. Yet, our Lord said, “Come to me, all of you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. My burden is easy and my yoke is light” (Matt. 11:30). The purpose of this book, then, is not to add to the burden, but to ease it by distilling the advice and experience of those who pray.
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Published January 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 12, 2025
another small yet powerful book on how we can pray according to the teachings of Christ and His Orthodox Church.
March 6, 2022
Very short but very helpful. It is also really easy to read; in fact, I wish I could have read this as a teenager (had it been published back then) as it would have addressed some confusions I had at the time.
This is so true.
I learned this through experience.
Some of the advice I had already been doing and others I will start putting to practice. For example, I have been thinking about reading Psalms regularly, after reading Fear No Evil and what an important part Psalms played in the author's psychological survival. This book has reminded/motivated me to start doing that.
If we pray for others, we are volunteering to help.
This is so true.
Sometimes prayer is like going to the dentist. When serious work is required, the dentist injects Novocain into our gums so we feel nothing during the procedure. When we feel nothing during prayer, it could be that the deep healing has begun.
I learned this through experience.
Some of the advice I had already been doing and others I will start putting to practice. For example, I have been thinking about reading Psalms regularly, after reading Fear No Evil and what an important part Psalms played in the author's psychological survival. This book has reminded/motivated me to start doing that.
August 2, 2019
A Brief Look at Orthodox Prayer
This is a decent introduction to the Orthodox prayer traditions. It covers the major bases (private rules, Our Father, monastic prayer without ceasing, etc) while remaining accessible to a layman. Guidelines and rules of thumb are enumerated but not expanded upon. At under 90 minutes, this is a short work and can be listened straight through in one sitting.
A consistent problem is the narration; it was quite monotone and the author should have requisitioned a professional narrator for his book. Due to this I think that a physical edition would be more useful.
This is a decent introduction to the Orthodox prayer traditions. It covers the major bases (private rules, Our Father, monastic prayer without ceasing, etc) while remaining accessible to a layman. Guidelines and rules of thumb are enumerated but not expanded upon. At under 90 minutes, this is a short work and can be listened straight through in one sitting.
A consistent problem is the narration; it was quite monotone and the author should have requisitioned a professional narrator for his book. Due to this I think that a physical edition would be more useful.
January 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this short little read. It was well written and practical. I hope to come back to it again and again. It wasn’t overwhelming, as sometimes writings on this subject can be. 4.5 stars, and recommended for all Christians, especially Orthodox.
April 13, 2022
Concise and practical.
July 25, 2023
Short and sweet. One of the better practical approaches to prayer I’ve ever read. I appreciate the emphasis on recognizing where we ARE, not where we want to be.
April 17, 2024
Short, to the point, and very encouraging.
July 20, 2019
My thoughts on the book:
Starts out with an introduction, stating that this book is meant to help one pray and not make it harder. 7 things noted, to pray:
1. As you can
2. Attentively
3. The Lord’s Prayer
4. The Psalms
5. For others
6. Frequently
7. Faithfully
The subsequent chapters touch upon each of the seven points above.
Chapter 2. Real life examples are given and very appreciated.
Chapter 3. Talks about how to pray attentively by preparing for prayer, praying slowly and praying aloud.
Chapter 4. The importance of scripted prayer.
Chapter 5. Praying the psalms is important, small amounts are better than nothing at all.
Chapter 6. 3 types of ways to read the Bible exist.
Chapter 7. “Praying for others can be risky. The risk is that we will become part of God’s answer to our prayer. We should be ready for that.”
Chapter 8. Mentions to say grace before everything, not just meals. “If we remind ourselves ourselves often that we, too, are sinners, we will be less likely to judge, more likely to forgive, and more willing to pray.”
Chapter 9. Pray even if you feel an absence (it might be the beginning of God’s work in you).
Overall, the length of the book resembles that of a long sermon and helps achieve its goal: to help one in their prayer life.
Starts out with an introduction, stating that this book is meant to help one pray and not make it harder. 7 things noted, to pray:
1. As you can
2. Attentively
3. The Lord’s Prayer
4. The Psalms
5. For others
6. Frequently
7. Faithfully
The subsequent chapters touch upon each of the seven points above.
Chapter 2. Real life examples are given and very appreciated.
Chapter 3. Talks about how to pray attentively by preparing for prayer, praying slowly and praying aloud.
Chapter 4. The importance of scripted prayer.
Chapter 5. Praying the psalms is important, small amounts are better than nothing at all.
Chapter 6. 3 types of ways to read the Bible exist.
Chapter 7. “Praying for others can be risky. The risk is that we will become part of God’s answer to our prayer. We should be ready for that.”
Chapter 8. Mentions to say grace before everything, not just meals. “If we remind ourselves ourselves often that we, too, are sinners, we will be less likely to judge, more likely to forgive, and more willing to pray.”
Chapter 9. Pray even if you feel an absence (it might be the beginning of God’s work in you).
Overall, the length of the book resembles that of a long sermon and helps achieve its goal: to help one in their prayer life.
February 10, 2026
When You Pray by Fr. L. Joseph Letendre is neither a beginner's guide nor a short devotional intended to be read all at once. Instead, it is a contemplative companion for those who already possess a practiced prayer life and are seeking greater depth, attentiveness, and fidelity in their ongoing relationship with G-d.
Letendre’s writing reflects a calm assurance, showing that he sees prayer not as something to perfect, but as a practice one revisits repeatedly—even when feeling dry, distracted, or surrounded by quiet. His reflections presume that the reader already prays and has experienced both the consolations and frustrations that accompany a sustained life of prayer. This makes the book especially well-suited for mature readers: clergy, spiritual directors, long-time lay practitioners, or anyone who has moved beyond the novelty stage of spiritual practice.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its pace. The structure invites slow, deliberate reading. Each section yields the best outcomes when it is thoroughly considered, reflected upon, and revisited periodically over several days or weeks. I chose to read a chapter a day. Attempting to read When You Pray straight through risks flattening its wisdom; the insights are subtle and cumulative, revealing their weight only when paired with lived prayer. Letendre seems keenly aware that spiritual growth rarely comes through intellectual accumulation, but through patient repetition and faithful attention.
From a theological perspective, the book maintains a balanced and measured approach. Letendre avoids spiritual sensationalism and resists the temptation to offer quick solutions to the difficulties of prayer. Instead, he normalizes struggle, emphasizing perseverance, humility, and receptivity to God’s initiative. Prayer, in his telling, is less about what the practitioner accomplishes and more about what the practitioner consents to—presence, availability, and trust.
Stylistically, the prose is clear and pastoral, marked by simplicity rather than flourishing. This clarity serves the book well, keeping the focus on interior formation rather than rhetorical display. Readers looking for dramatic spiritual narratives or novel prayer methods may find the tone understated; those seeking steady guidance and quiet recalibration will find it deeply nourishing.
Ultimately, When You Pray is meant to be kept close, serving as a companion to revisit during times of both revitalization and weariness, rather than a book to simply complete. The main point is that genuine prayer comes not from its intensity or uniqueness, but from consistency, sincerity, humility, and the ability to let go. There is a nice appendix at the conclusion that discusses what monasticism teaches and a routine that can be followed. For readers already rooted in prayer and willing to let a text accompany them slowly, Letendre offers a wise and faithful guide.
Letendre’s writing reflects a calm assurance, showing that he sees prayer not as something to perfect, but as a practice one revisits repeatedly—even when feeling dry, distracted, or surrounded by quiet. His reflections presume that the reader already prays and has experienced both the consolations and frustrations that accompany a sustained life of prayer. This makes the book especially well-suited for mature readers: clergy, spiritual directors, long-time lay practitioners, or anyone who has moved beyond the novelty stage of spiritual practice.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its pace. The structure invites slow, deliberate reading. Each section yields the best outcomes when it is thoroughly considered, reflected upon, and revisited periodically over several days or weeks. I chose to read a chapter a day. Attempting to read When You Pray straight through risks flattening its wisdom; the insights are subtle and cumulative, revealing their weight only when paired with lived prayer. Letendre seems keenly aware that spiritual growth rarely comes through intellectual accumulation, but through patient repetition and faithful attention.
From a theological perspective, the book maintains a balanced and measured approach. Letendre avoids spiritual sensationalism and resists the temptation to offer quick solutions to the difficulties of prayer. Instead, he normalizes struggle, emphasizing perseverance, humility, and receptivity to God’s initiative. Prayer, in his telling, is less about what the practitioner accomplishes and more about what the practitioner consents to—presence, availability, and trust.
Stylistically, the prose is clear and pastoral, marked by simplicity rather than flourishing. This clarity serves the book well, keeping the focus on interior formation rather than rhetorical display. Readers looking for dramatic spiritual narratives or novel prayer methods may find the tone understated; those seeking steady guidance and quiet recalibration will find it deeply nourishing.
Ultimately, When You Pray is meant to be kept close, serving as a companion to revisit during times of both revitalization and weariness, rather than a book to simply complete. The main point is that genuine prayer comes not from its intensity or uniqueness, but from consistency, sincerity, humility, and the ability to let go. There is a nice appendix at the conclusion that discusses what monasticism teaches and a routine that can be followed. For readers already rooted in prayer and willing to let a text accompany them slowly, Letendre offers a wise and faithful guide.
May 25, 2021
This wonderful 9 chapter book with appendix by L. Joseph Letendre gives some wonderful insight on prayer. As he explains there is nothing easy about prayer and it is too easy in today’s world to become easily discouraged in trying to keep our rule of prayer. Using quotes from both Fr. Thomas Hopko, Fr. Alexander Schmemann, the Scripture and many others, the author give us tools and an understanding that can help us achieve prayer or to “come before God’s face with thanksgiving” He uses St. Theophan the Recluse words on prayer to set up his chapter headings:
So, when you pray:
Pray as you can
Pray attentively
Pray the Lord’s Prayer
Pray the Psalms
Pray the Gospels
Pray for others
Pray frequently
Pray faithfully.
I found the chapter on Pray as You Can especially insightful, since we all tend to think we do not pray as we should. Finally He includes an Appendix on What Monasticism Teaches Us. This again is another tool in our prayer toolbox.
The Audio book is well narrated by the Author himself and is just a little over 1 hr. It is perfect for the commute to work, or even to listen over a couple of lunch breaks. I would highly recommend this book to all Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians who wish to improve their prayer life.
So, when you pray:
Pray as you can
Pray attentively
Pray the Lord’s Prayer
Pray the Psalms
Pray the Gospels
Pray for others
Pray frequently
Pray faithfully.
I found the chapter on Pray as You Can especially insightful, since we all tend to think we do not pray as we should. Finally He includes an Appendix on What Monasticism Teaches Us. This again is another tool in our prayer toolbox.
The Audio book is well narrated by the Author himself and is just a little over 1 hr. It is perfect for the commute to work, or even to listen over a couple of lunch breaks. I would highly recommend this book to all Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians who wish to improve their prayer life.
June 18, 2021
This quick, practicable book on prayer is full of insight on how to improve your prayer life. I appreciate that L. Joseph Letendre addresses some of the basic barriers to prayer and how to adjust accordingly (with approval of your spiritual father). Some of the points he brings up that I found especially helpful were:
1- The command to pray always (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1) comes from the Greek "hesychia," meaning to “come to rest.” This helps to frame prayer not as a burden but as a way finding rest in the presence of God.
2- You can choose short verses from the Psalms to continue repeating to help with continuous prayer.
3- You can adjust the Jesus Prayer according to the church season.
4- Sometimes a period of not feeling anything during prayer shows that deep work is being done on your prayer life, like when you get a shot of anesthesia at the dentist.
The book is also full of Bible references. I appreciated that Letendre said the references in the recording of the book as it helps us to understand how the advice is grounded in Scripture and provides reference for further digging.
Although this book may be short, it is full of spiritual depth. I have already listened to this book twice, and I plan to listen to it again.
1- The command to pray always (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1) comes from the Greek "hesychia," meaning to “come to rest.” This helps to frame prayer not as a burden but as a way finding rest in the presence of God.
2- You can choose short verses from the Psalms to continue repeating to help with continuous prayer.
3- You can adjust the Jesus Prayer according to the church season.
4- Sometimes a period of not feeling anything during prayer shows that deep work is being done on your prayer life, like when you get a shot of anesthesia at the dentist.
The book is also full of Bible references. I appreciated that Letendre said the references in the recording of the book as it helps us to understand how the advice is grounded in Scripture and provides reference for further digging.
Although this book may be short, it is full of spiritual depth. I have already listened to this book twice, and I plan to listen to it again.
June 11, 2021
“When You Pray: A Practical Guide to an Orthodox Life of Prayer” by L. Joseph Letendre is exactly what it claims to be. There is no pretense. It isn’t even very long. The audible edition is only 1 hr and 11 minutes and easy to work through in a busy schedule. This book gives the very basics of what prayer should be with examples to support it and then leaves the reader to sort out the rest. The author seems aware that prayer is not something that can be learned completely from a book, but tools on how to begin the process can be articulated in this form. This book communicates those tools splendidly. The rest is left up to practice, discussion with trusted spiritual mentors, and the grace of God.
My one critique is that the audiobook could be more vocally engaging. The information is excellent, but the reading lacks inflection to keep the listener’s focus.
My one critique is that the audiobook could be more vocally engaging. The information is excellent, but the reading lacks inflection to keep the listener’s focus.
September 17, 2025
Short, Simple, and Highly Applicable
I am not “big O” Orthodox, though I consider myself “small o” orthodox. I felt that the way Letendre handled spontaneous or “original” prayer could have been expressed with a little less sharpness or tongue-in-cheek tone. That said, nearly everything else in this book was simple, clear, helpful, and highly applicable.
The brevity of the work is one of its strengths — it makes the book more accessible, practical, and effective. Much of what is presented here could be appreciated by any Christian who seeks to live a more prayerful life, whether “small o” orthodox or “small c” catholic.
I recommend this book to readers who are comfortable, as the saying goes, eating the meat and spitting out the few small bones along the way (though perhaps that image is itself a little tongue-in-cheek 😉).
I am not “big O” Orthodox, though I consider myself “small o” orthodox. I felt that the way Letendre handled spontaneous or “original” prayer could have been expressed with a little less sharpness or tongue-in-cheek tone. That said, nearly everything else in this book was simple, clear, helpful, and highly applicable.
The brevity of the work is one of its strengths — it makes the book more accessible, practical, and effective. Much of what is presented here could be appreciated by any Christian who seeks to live a more prayerful life, whether “small o” orthodox or “small c” catholic.
I recommend this book to readers who are comfortable, as the saying goes, eating the meat and spitting out the few small bones along the way (though perhaps that image is itself a little tongue-in-cheek 😉).
February 18, 2022
THE best book on prayer I have ever read.
This book is short. It is simple. It is easy to read. And it is a rare and precious gem. Of all the books on prayer I have ever read, it has been the greatest of blessings. The author extends the loving and gracious hand of God in every chapter; through every suggestion. I sit here in awe at what I just read about what prayer is to God, what it should mean to us, and about how to really, finally, practically, honestly, begin to build a prayer life that will truly be a blessing to God, to myself, and to others. I will be purchasing this book in paperback so that I don't have to depend on my phone to read it. Wow.
This book is short. It is simple. It is easy to read. And it is a rare and precious gem. Of all the books on prayer I have ever read, it has been the greatest of blessings. The author extends the loving and gracious hand of God in every chapter; through every suggestion. I sit here in awe at what I just read about what prayer is to God, what it should mean to us, and about how to really, finally, practically, honestly, begin to build a prayer life that will truly be a blessing to God, to myself, and to others. I will be purchasing this book in paperback so that I don't have to depend on my phone to read it. Wow.
March 18, 2023
It was a short read on how to pray with very tangible and practical steps. It can help anyone who comes to prayer with anxiety or uncertainty. It speaks of the attitude and mindset we need towards prayer, before and during prayer. It reminds us that all we need is action that is consistent for a good prayer life.
"Pray as you can, not as you want." - Fr. Thomas Hopko
Overall good book with little reminders of what we need to implement at home that is seen in Divine Liturgy: the Psalms, Gospels, Father's Prayer, intercession prayer, etc.
"Pray as you can, not as you want." - Fr. Thomas Hopko
Overall good book with little reminders of what we need to implement at home that is seen in Divine Liturgy: the Psalms, Gospels, Father's Prayer, intercession prayer, etc.
December 18, 2018
I highly recommend this straight-forward practical guide on prayer. If you are having a hard time establishing a prayer habit, this book will help you set realistic goals for getting started. This book is not a collection of prayers but a guide for what an average person should strive to accomplish.
March 11, 2021
Real honest & Simple reminders
It’s a beautiful book that is so simple yet very powerful as it reminds us of a lot of things about our faith that we might simply forget. But having it all under one roof just makes a lot of sense and is beautiful. I will read this book more than once for sure
It’s a beautiful book that is so simple yet very powerful as it reminds us of a lot of things about our faith that we might simply forget. But having it all under one roof just makes a lot of sense and is beautiful. I will read this book more than once for sure
March 30, 2024
very lucid and clear
This book gives a new perspective about prayer life and gives new practical insights to a topic discussed in all kinds of media in great length. I am truly blessed to read this book. Will read it again soon so that I can apply the practical precepts in my life.
This book gives a new perspective about prayer life and gives new practical insights to a topic discussed in all kinds of media in great length. I am truly blessed to read this book. Will read it again soon so that I can apply the practical precepts in my life.
May 23, 2025
Good, short, insightful little book on prayer. A good reference to check back in on periodically. Docked one star for the author's admonishment to avoid "telling God what He already knows" on page 24. God is omniscient, and there is nothing wrong with telling Him what He already knows, as long as the right spirit and intention is behind it. Otherwise, helpful.
April 8, 2019
This is a great, straightforward book on praying! It lists 8 ways to start praying with an emphasis on the understanding that most that read this are laypeople. It’s clearly written and is such a quick read. This has definitely helped me make a plan to jump into prayer.
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March 2, 2022I've come to be incredibly suspicious of authors referencing people outside of who it makes sense to reference. Why were some of the people referenced in this book mentioned? John of the Cross and Mother Teresa being referenced makes no sense in an Orthodox book like this one...
March 7, 2022
Helpful
I would certainly consider recommending this book to others. I will reference this book often. I also got the book When You Fast by the same author. I hope he writes a book on almsgiving as well.
I would certainly consider recommending this book to others. I will reference this book often. I also got the book When You Fast by the same author. I hope he writes a book on almsgiving as well.
March 16, 2022
Probably the best book I've ever read on prayer! It's short, concise, and very practical. Although the author is approaching this topic from an Eastern Orthodox perspective, I think the ideas that he suggests could be put into practice by Christians from almost any tradition.
June 29, 2024
Short, distilled wisdom. One of those little reminders I would benefit from reading yearly, not because it will contain something new, but perhaps because I will if I read and keep its simple and gentle counsel.
July 25, 2025
More of a pamphlet than a book. I'm considering using this with my Sunday school students in the fall.
It's interesting that Letendre quotes from so many Catholic authors.
He convinced me that I need to spend more time praying through the Psalms.
It's interesting that Letendre quotes from so many Catholic authors.
He convinced me that I need to spend more time praying through the Psalms.
September 10, 2017
One of the best books on prayer I have read in years. I highly recommend this one!
September 17, 2017
A really good concise guide to prayer. Full of practical advice for someone looking to establish a rule of prayer. Highly recommended.
December 24, 2017
A tiny little self-help book on cultivating or revitalizing an Orthodox prayer life. Nothing wildly new, but definitely a couple hidden nuggets.
December 27, 2017
A short little gem to help guide and encourage one in an Orthodox lifestyle of prayer. I'm nearly 10 years in the Orthodox faith and I found this book helpful.
January 10, 2018
Helpful!
A great and helpful book on prayer! It is short but more than worth it! If in doubt just get it
A great and helpful book on prayer! It is short but more than worth it! If in doubt just get it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews