Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices

by Daniel Wolpert

Discover how classical approaches to God can help you achieve a deeper, more satisfying prayer life. Wolpert uses historical figures to explain and demonstrate 12 key prayer practices, including: the general practice of peace and quiet; lectio divina (praying scripture), the Jesus prayer, creativity, journaling, and more. Ideal for either individual or small group study. Twelve weeks.

Genres: Prayer, Faith, Spirituality, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity

First published May 31, 2003

Reviews

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Thank you to Team Speakeasy for sending me this FREE Copy to promote and review for Daniel as part of their Review Crew earlier this year.

This was my first time reading a Spiritual Book by Daniel so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I really enjoyed this one. The Prayer Exercises were very helpful which I'm looking forward to using them in my daily and nightly Prayers.

Overall a Good and Helpful Non-Fiction Book. Can't wait to read more by Daniel in the future!!

[Kevin Senapatiratne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the bringing of characters of history to teach up prayer lessons for today.

[Jacob Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a number of books about spiritual disciplines, the practices of the church that engage the spirit and connect us with God, or more accurately, put us in a place where God can change us. Wolpert provides a different kind of framework for the practices of familiar practices, like silence and solitude, lectio divina, the Jesus Prayer, the Ignatian Examen, and journalling. He grounds each practice as a form of prayer, with the intention, goal, and outcome of connecting with God. He brings into this framework some other prayers that are less commonly discussed: apophatic prayer, creativity, body prayers, walking prayer, and praying in nature. He concludes his discussion with how all of life is prayer, and this praying life is best experienced (or only experienced fully) in a community.

Wolpert’s digestible reading and appendix of helpful tools for practice make this a good read. However, as someone who would like to dive in deeper to some of these practices his list of classics, and his use of classics of faith as “traveling companions” becomes invaluable. I look forward to allowing this book to shape the practice of disciplines in my life.

As Wolpert concludes, “Let us pray.”

[Savannah Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful reflection on the traditional Christian practices of prayer. Especially poignant in today's culture of showing up to church, and doing nothing to deepen your faith outside of Sunday morning, Wolpert examines how every aspect of our lives can be done prayerfully. From spending time in nature, walking slowly, leading groups through specific prayers, and living prayerfully with less material things, this is an excellent read for anyone who wants to refresh their closeness with God, and live every moment in meditative spirituality.

[Christine Hiester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book on varied prayer practices. I really enjoyed the structure of the book: each chapter with a Christian figure from history to illuminate the prayer practice (St Benedict, John of the Cross, St Francis, etc.), explanation and step by step "directions" and a more detailed appendix with ideas for using the practices in a group setting. Well-written and easy to follow, but not overly simplistic.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explores a variety of ancient prayer practices towards the end of building a wholistic prayer life. Good explorations with historical figures as illustrations and good practical exercises related to each of the prayer disciplines.

[Terry Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of a variety of ways in which people can pray. The contemplative ways in particular are excellent.

[Benjamin Varner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book I see as more of a resource. Not so much of a book I read, learn from and move on but rather a book I read and will return to for reference and help as I grow in expanding my prayer life.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my first spiritual journey reads. I loved this.

[J. Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical resource for contemplative practices.

[Ronald K. Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book changed my prayer life.

[Josh Trice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. The practices discussed were not anything I was familiar with as a Christian, however I found them to be intriguing for the most part. Some I felt speaking into my soul a sense of truth and wisdom, others seemed only foreign and strange. I would recommend this book to any Christian, especially those who feel their spiritual/prayer life is lacking in power.

Wolpert speaks from a place of humble wisdom, often not speaking from a place of authority but from a place of experience. The wisdom in this book cannot be overlooked. I found it to be an engaging, challenging and interesting read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated how he included in each practice, practicing in community. The last few seemed a bit maybe "a stretch" but I appreciate how a person like him, monastic type although married!, can see the value of community and spiritual practices.

I marked the book up a lot and need to review those markings.

He often would emphasize that he is not coming from a New Age perspective but his thoughts are rooted in the Bible and church history. I appreciated how he reiterated that.

Some in the evangelical world might not connect or agree with all he wrote but I felt like he gives positive light to some ancient ideas.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book not only introduces various styles of prayer but also introduces the historical people who found these practices essential to their life with God. I personally enjoyed the chapters on creativity, journaling, and nature. This book was read throughout the past year with a spiritual growth group; we used relevant chapters to introduce the prayer practice for the month, sometimes in conjunction with a more in depth book on the practice as well.

[Patricia A. Sjöberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful resource for those of us who wish to experience different types of prayer and are not sure where to start. I re-read the chapters on lectio divina and the examen several times, and I refer back to this book all the time. I suggest it as a study book for Sunday School, or other small group studies.

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed a glance at all these different prayer practices and those who are known for practicing them in the past. I just was looking for something a little deeper, with a little more substance on each practice.

[Suzy Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It took me awhile to read only because I read in the bath, bit by bit with a cup of tea and bubbles. It would be a great study for those who are learning new prayer practices, individually or in a group.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for someone looking for new ways to bring life into one's prayer life. It was an easy read and not to deep.

[Sarah Honkanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I come back to read this from time to time. Read it for a study and it was very interesting.
different ways to pray. all with the heart, of course.

[Sonny Mcdowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I feel myself drifting away from a close relationship with God, I revisit this little book. Ancient prayer practices that anyone can use regardless of depth of faith.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still reading this book as it is a great guide to the different forms of prayer. I am using it as a reference as I lead my prayer team at my church

[Lee Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of wonderful information in it. It is well written and easy to understand.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a surprisingly large scope and is helpful as an introduction. It holds the weight of prayer without casting pressure on the reader. Very smartly and succinctly written.

[Charles W. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good read.

Very well written. It is designed to awaken one's mind to receive blessings from God by praying in the Spirit.

[Knightgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

brilliant overview on prayer practices and also instructive with the appendix providing more detail and exercises.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brief summary of some of the ancient prayer practices that can still be great ways to connect with God.

Using the examples of those that began and developed these practices suggestions are made on how we can apply them to the development of our own relationship with God.