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Prayer Primer : Igniting a Fire Within
Prayer Primer is written for adults who want God and a serious prayer life, but it does not presuppose that they need or have a theological background. Dubay answers many questions on prayer. Why pray? Why vocal prayer is important and yet should be limited? What contemplation is and is not. How to pray with Scripture. Prayer in a busy life. Pitfalls and problems. How do you even get started? Where and how to begin? Assessing progress. Growing in depth. All of these subjects, and more, are clearly and concisely explained for citizens of this 21st century. A Servant Book.
188 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2002
86 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Dubay
30 books75 followersFather Thomas Dubay, S.M., was a well-known retreat master and expert in the spiritual life.
A Marist Priest, Father took a Ph.D. from Catholic University of America and taught at major seminary level for about fifteen years. He spent the last three decades giving retreats and writing books (over twenty at last count) on various aspects of the spiritual life.
He is an expert on the teachings and writings of the two mystical doctors of the Church, John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.
A Marist Priest, Father took a Ph.D. from Catholic University of America and taught at major seminary level for about fifteen years. He spent the last three decades giving retreats and writing books (over twenty at last count) on various aspects of the spiritual life.
He is an expert on the teachings and writings of the two mystical doctors of the Church, John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 28, 2011
There's much to be said for having met an author. A good friend of mine and I met Father Dubay once before he died. It is an occasion I recall with great fondness. He opened the final talk of his retreat for our Carmelite sisters here in OKC to the general public and we went, books in hand, like two teenage groupies to meet their rock star idol. We were not disappointed!
Father Dubay was within two years of his death at this time and a tiny little slip of a man. I must confess I was surprised when I first saw him. I had only seen him on Eternal Word Television Network and/or in documentary series which showed him up close, thereby creating the illusion he was much larger.
I knew he was very enthusiastic about the subject of prayer, but when I heard him speak, the word I would have used was more ... radiant. He radiated his love of God and love of communion with God. I wanted that same relationship. I shall always be grateful for that opportunity because I can see and hear Father speaking when I read this book.
It is a charming and deceptively simple book, but wise in its simplicity. It is one book you want to keep always on your prayer shelf ... or next to your Bible ... or anywhere you might need a little encouragement when you pray.
Lovely!
Father Dubay was within two years of his death at this time and a tiny little slip of a man. I must confess I was surprised when I first saw him. I had only seen him on Eternal Word Television Network and/or in documentary series which showed him up close, thereby creating the illusion he was much larger.
I knew he was very enthusiastic about the subject of prayer, but when I heard him speak, the word I would have used was more ... radiant. He radiated his love of God and love of communion with God. I wanted that same relationship. I shall always be grateful for that opportunity because I can see and hear Father speaking when I read this book.
It is a charming and deceptively simple book, but wise in its simplicity. It is one book you want to keep always on your prayer shelf ... or next to your Bible ... or anywhere you might need a little encouragement when you pray.
Lovely!
April 24, 2022
Another brilliant book by Fr. Thomas Dubay. I found the chapters towards the end, especially the one on gauging progress, to be particularly helpful. This is a natural companion to his "Deep Conversion/Deep Prayer", which is one of my favorite books on the spiritual life.
July 25, 2020
All the recommendations were not without merit. This book on prayer is the finest that I have read and will be my go-to source whenever I am having troubles in prayer. It is so practical and yet calls you to higher things.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
January 31, 2011
This book lives up to its title as a primer. I rated this as 5 stars because I left the book convinced of Fr. Dubay's main message: if you aren't praying on a regular basis, its time to start now.
The book goes through different types of prayer but certainly focuses most heavily on contemplative and meditative prayer. As a primer he does not go into great depth on each of these types of prayer. Rather, the text seems to be designed to leave the reader wanting to know more about these subjects once the reader has been sufficient convinced of their importance. There are quite a few practical points as well which, when directed towards yourself, can be a bit convicting ("Do I have time to pray?" - yes, you find time for the things that are important. "How do I deal with distraction?" "What do I do with dryness?", etc).
The only aspect of the book that I found a bit off-putting was the apparent inability to follow all of the advice. It is true that if God is the most important aspect of our lives we will make time to spend with him in solitude. It is also true that we will carry him in our minds and hearts throughout the day. But the idea that we can attend daily mass, pray a family rosary, participate in all of the hours devotions, engage in an hour of mental prayer, plus lead a family life, work life, and a life in our society is simply unrealistic. I do think, though, if pushed on that topic, Fr. Dubay would not recommend all of these items at once for the lay person, but rather a balancing with the order of importance being to make sure contemplative prayer is practiced daily, daily mass is attended if possible, and the hours read as one is able to do.
I am recommending this book to everyone that I know. It is, in my opinion, the most important topic for any of us to follow.
The book goes through different types of prayer but certainly focuses most heavily on contemplative and meditative prayer. As a primer he does not go into great depth on each of these types of prayer. Rather, the text seems to be designed to leave the reader wanting to know more about these subjects once the reader has been sufficient convinced of their importance. There are quite a few practical points as well which, when directed towards yourself, can be a bit convicting ("Do I have time to pray?" - yes, you find time for the things that are important. "How do I deal with distraction?" "What do I do with dryness?", etc).
The only aspect of the book that I found a bit off-putting was the apparent inability to follow all of the advice. It is true that if God is the most important aspect of our lives we will make time to spend with him in solitude. It is also true that we will carry him in our minds and hearts throughout the day. But the idea that we can attend daily mass, pray a family rosary, participate in all of the hours devotions, engage in an hour of mental prayer, plus lead a family life, work life, and a life in our society is simply unrealistic. I do think, though, if pushed on that topic, Fr. Dubay would not recommend all of these items at once for the lay person, but rather a balancing with the order of importance being to make sure contemplative prayer is practiced daily, daily mass is attended if possible, and the hours read as one is able to do.
I am recommending this book to everyone that I know. It is, in my opinion, the most important topic for any of us to follow.
July 4, 2010
Whether you have rarely (if ever) prayed, or pray often, but are finding your prayer life routine rather than invigorating, this book is for you. Thomas Dubay explains what prayer is and is not. He covers a multitude of topics regarding prayer and hits all the basic forms of Christian prayer--mental, discursive, meditative, and contemplative. He also explains how these forms may differ from other religions, such as Buddhism or Hinduism. Though Dubay begins at the beginning (this is a primer, after all) he is careful to show what a deep and fulfilling prayer life leads to--what the beginner might hope to attain, if they are disciplined and serious about communing with God on a deeper level. He answers practical problems such as when to pray, how often, how long, how to teach children, and how to avoid or overcome common pitfalls, such as distractions, dryness, and feelings of all kinds--discouragement, unworthiness, anger, and even feelings of divine favor (are they real or imagined?)
I've found this book very encouraging as I come across some of these pitfalls on my own. For those already in a prayer routine, this may be helpful in exploring new forms of prayer, though other books, such as Praying Scripture for a Change; an Introduction to Lectio Divina (Tim Gray) or Prayer (Hans Urs Van Balthasar) or Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life (Mary Margaret Funk)may be more helpful.
I've found this book very encouraging as I come across some of these pitfalls on my own. For those already in a prayer routine, this may be helpful in exploring new forms of prayer, though other books, such as Praying Scripture for a Change; an Introduction to Lectio Divina (Tim Gray) or Prayer (Hans Urs Van Balthasar) or Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life (Mary Margaret Funk)may be more helpful.
September 28, 2010
This book is an introduction to Prayer. It was interesting but I really got irritated when he would say something like "contemplative prayer is not for beginners but i want to tell you about it anyway but wait I’m not actually going to tell you anything at all." (ok that was really more my synopsis of the chapter). I also don't think books introducing a topic need to be so lacking in depth and information. Maybe I should have picked up a more advanced book?
I could definitely tell the author was a religious priest with his emphasis on the Liturgy of the Hours. I heard the author recently passed away... May he rest in peace.
The book has given me a few things to chew on. I have thought for a while that there should be some similarities between the "domestic church" and religious communal life. But after this book it has occurred to me that family life shouldn't imitate religious life, but rather religious life is imitating family life. And what are the implications for family life? I am still pondering that one.
Overall I didn't care for the style so I’m not sure i would read another book by the author.
.
I could definitely tell the author was a religious priest with his emphasis on the Liturgy of the Hours. I heard the author recently passed away... May he rest in peace.
The book has given me a few things to chew on. I have thought for a while that there should be some similarities between the "domestic church" and religious communal life. But after this book it has occurred to me that family life shouldn't imitate religious life, but rather religious life is imitating family life. And what are the implications for family life? I am still pondering that one.
Overall I didn't care for the style so I’m not sure i would read another book by the author.
.
October 7, 2016
"Maldos pradžiamokslis. Įžiebti vidinę ugnį" pateisino mano lūkesčius. Autoriaus kalba laisva, o knygos struktūra aiški. Papasakoja apie skirtingas maldos rūšis ir jų prasmę, pamotyvuoja nepasiduoti, nes motyvacija reguliariai melstis, kas bandė, žino, kad gali gana lengvai kristi.
Stebuklų knygoje tikėtis neverta, bet viskas pateikta taip, kad noras karts nuo karto vis atsiversti tai vieną, tai kitą skyrelį gali kilti.
Stebuklų knygoje tikėtis neverta, bet viskas pateikta taip, kad noras karts nuo karto vis atsiversti tai vieną, tai kitą skyrelį gali kilti.
November 26, 2018
It would be challenging to overstate how much I like this book. It claims to be for beginners in prayer, but I feel that every Christian could pick this up on a regular basis and glean. Dubay's clarity of perspective coupled with a God-given skill for clear and simple articulation of important ideas makes this (possibly) the best practical book on prayer I've read. I won't go on.. but I would recommend this to anyone.
March 30, 2014
A tremendously helpful guide to prayer, which as Fr. Dubay says in his introduction, treats the reader as an intelligent beginner. The book covers all the major aspects of prayers -- the types of prayer (and which is to be preferred), how to pray in a busy life, how to assess growth, and on. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
July 20, 2015
Dubay is a MUST read for anyone serious about cultivating their faith and making sure that our lives become congruent with our beliefs. If truth is what you seek Dubay is one of the great guides to help you get there without forcing you into submission. You will gladly submit once you read his words of love given to us beyond all over loves by Jesus(God) himself.
December 20, 2007
A great book that offers many things for reflection! Take this one to the adoration chapel and have a conversation with Jesus!
April 30, 2009
4-23-09 -- Time to give this a second reading. . .
June 4, 2009
Even though the book has the word "Primer" in the title, this book is for all seekers no matter what level you find yourself.
September 16, 2015
This single volume had the most straightforward and comprehensive explication of prayer that you will find. Packed with practical wisdom and simple "I can do that!" Advice. Highly recommended.
November 23, 2018
This would be the first book I'd recommend to someone serious about deepening in prayer. I didn't realize how many misconceptions I had of prayer, grateful for this book :)
December 3, 2021
Great topic and Dubay offers good insight but the book did not help me understand prayer at a basic level and for anyone who is not already seeking an enriched prayer life I don't believe it would have ispired them to do so. In fact, I doubt thye would read past the first chapter. As a self professed "Primer" I believe that would be necessary. Dubay writes with much hubris and treats prayer as a process managed by a hierarchy of rules and processes rather than as a simple communicatoin with God our Father. It seems that every 2 pages there is a list of "first, second and third" practices or things to do that instruct. After a few chapters the list of processes is indeed daunting.
Too bad Dubay didn't share his insight with more understanding of the needs of the devout or even the potentially devout. I'm sure he has great passion and knowledge and love of the Lord!
Too bad Dubay didn't share his insight with more understanding of the needs of the devout or even the potentially devout. I'm sure he has great passion and knowledge and love of the Lord!
January 4, 2025
Great book on building a prayer life and everything else related to it. This is great especially for beginners, but also people who have been praying regularly for a long time but need to be reminded of the fundamentals. As always, Fr. Dubay never disappoints and I loved this book. This one gets an easy recommendation.
May 23, 2020
A must read for a better prayer life
If you’re searching for a deeper relationship with God, you need to learn how to pray well. This book will show you what you need to do from start to finish.
If you’re searching for a deeper relationship with God, you need to learn how to pray well. This book will show you what you need to do from start to finish.
May 24, 2023
This book revealed many ways to think about and approach prayer in a succinctly humble manner. This book covers a wide variety of issues and big questions people face in their spiritual life and the author writes as if he is talking to you personally with love, acceptance, and encouragement.
November 7, 2019
Insightful and practical guide to enriching your prayer life.
June 17, 2020
A wonderful book on prayer
I would strongly recommend this book to everyone and anyone who wishes to improve their prayer life
It's well written and easily understood
I would strongly recommend this book to everyone and anyone who wishes to improve their prayer life
It's well written and easily understood
September 14, 2020
Actually pretty advanced for a real beginner!
September 30, 2021
very practical and easy to read
March 30, 2023
Practical advice for laypeople.
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December 5, 2023Faith and Leadership
February 24, 2017
Brilliant in its simplicity.
February 5, 2024
technically, I actually finished this book earlier, but because it was used for a class, I put the dates the class met (which was only on Mondays for the dates shown). All the chapters had some relevance for me, but none so more than chapters 13, and 15; although chapters 16 and 17 are close seconds as far as refreshers go. I could easily list at least one thing from every chapter that stood out, but I'd rather let people judge for themselves what speaks to them, as everyone is different.
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September 7, 2010So I want to look at this book some more. Read some.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews