The Breath of the Soul: Reflections on Prayer

by Joan D. Chittister

This simple little book from a great spiritual giant attends to what we human beings are most inclined to preparing for and engaging in prayer. It is an examination of what we ourselves must bring to the discipline of prayer--whatever form it takes--in order to make prayer authentic and real, a deep and profound part of our lives. None of the brief reflections in this book are ever finished, ever closed, ever fulled resolved. They are all ongoing steps along the way, steps we retrace over and over again as we do all the other parts of life, until they become the very breath we breathe, the vision and energy of our souls.

Genres: Prayer, Spirituality, Religion, Christian, Nonfiction

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Joan Daugherty Chittister, O.S.B., is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

Reviews

[Arul Amalraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A handy reference and reflection on prayer

A good book for everyone who is looking to get in touch with self in God. Prayer is experience not words.

[Jeanodonnell66hotmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter was a gem. I savored reading this little book, no more than one brief chapter a day, and will continue re-reading it.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be used as a daily devotional...I enjoyed reading it straight through.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is typical of its type, so depending on your preferences for such books you may find it worthwhile. As sometimes happens with books by other Christian authors with similar backgrounds and attitudes about religion (rooted in tradition but socially progressive, fond of contemplation and mysticism, and liberally quoting from and finding wisdom in other religions), Sr. Chittister ironically admonishes and refutes attitudes and beliefs that are commonplace throughout the Bible and the history of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Here are some examples:

False piety settles down, prayer book in hand, to wheedle God into doing what we feel must be done. False piety bargains with God: I will go to church every day if you will…I will give money to charity if you will…I will stop smoking if you will….

People who negotiate with God are like children who say, “If I take the garbage out every day, then can I go to the party?” The whole notion of the purpose of prayer as the development of a relationship with God escapes them.

These are people who feel like pawns in the universe, barely human at all, totally powerless. Their whole notion of moral agency is to be “good” so that they can wrest from God what they do not take steps to get for themselves.

They live on a shallow faith iced over with a thin layer of piety. They have missed the point that piety is the practice of spiritual disciplines intended to deepen our awareness of God in life, not to turn God into a mirage, a distant idol. [pg 52]

--

Otherwise prayer is nothing more than some kind of spiritual spa designed to make me feel good. It is reduced to an exercise the intent of which is to assure me of my own value. It swaddles me in self-righteousness and self-serving. It makes God an icon, a tribal God whose concerns are no bigger than our own. Then God carries a flag, becomes a male potentate, excludes females, and passes out personal gifts.

Then we make ourselves God and our God a poor, miserable creature indeed—a national patriot, maybe; a great male warrior, perhaps, but certainly not the God of all creation. Then we are simply worshipping ourselves and calling it prayer. [pg 77]

A read through the Psalms is enough to give a sense of just how prevalent such thinking is in the very texts that are supposed to form people to their opposite. The point here isn't to instigate a debate over theology, but to give an appreciation for the content, perspective, and direction of the book. If you have accepted such cognitive dissonance or have embraced a view of Christianity and its scripture that works around or avoids it, or if you are just looking for basic wisdom that can be extracted from a religion without needing or wanting to wrestle over its internal workings, you can find many pieces of wisdom that will appeal to and challenge the contemporary spiritual seeker. Some may yet be put off, however, with some imagery, such as the depiction of God as "Beyond us. Above us. The One who transcends every sniveling thing of life" [pg 72].

As a series of short reflections, it can be read all at once or over time, in order or not, repeating some sections and skipping others. The format and length make it very flexible for use as needed and desired, both in paper and electronic format.

[Scott Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I chose to read it as a daily devotional guide. Each chapter is a short three pages so it is a quick read each morning. That said, they are some of the richest three pages with many excellent thoughts. I didn’t always agree with every word, but it gave me good reason to stop and ponder about God. And that is excellent!I’d like to go back and read it again with a highlighter as there are some key thoughts or phrases I would like to ponder more on and maybe put to memory. You will enjoy and grow from this book.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be referring back to this again and again. Each chapter is only 2 to 4 pages long and deals with a particular issue, such as Self-Knowledge, Authenticity, and Presence. The chapter will describe how prayer assists in achieving or dealing with its issue. It is written by a Catholic nun, but any Christian, Jew, or Muslim could benefit from reading this.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book consists of 42 short prayers. All the prayers are 1-3 pages. The prayers are very good. The book best used when the prayers are used to reflect upon and deepen your own spirituality. Would recomment to all.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a keeper! Joan's reflections enriched my prayer-life, and will continue to do so, I am sure. I especially like the way the book is arranged -- the small chapters gave a focus to my meditation each day.

[Dare]

Learned how to really pray

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple little tome on all manner of praying.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a small, beautiful book. I read it slowly, and that's how I recommend that anyone else read it as well.

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me an embarrassingly long time to get through this little booklet, but it really does require a quiet moment to fully grasp the effect it's meant to have. I got it thinking it was a meditation book, but it's actually more of a companion to prayer and how to get deeper meaning from it. I really liked the gentle way that Chittister speaks to her audience. There's no guilt or rules to follow, only gentle daily mantras to take to heart, like little one-line prayers to keep you focused. I definitely would like to read more of her stuff as I find it very comforting indeed.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding in its organization, brevity, and mantras given for each topic.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lovely book of meditations on prayer.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. I used this as a daily devotional and immensely appreciate Sister Joan's wisdom.

[MariMel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and profound book on prayer. It has deepened my spirituality a lot.

[Jocelyn Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound and meaningful reflection which was most helpful.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brief but thorough examination of Christian prayer is one that I shall be keeping by my Bible, to reread whenever my prayer life feels empty. Brilliant.

[Ann R. Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Long -time Favorite

This is a book for reading and rereading ..... the wisdom never grows old or tired. It is a perfect addition to daily prayer and meditation. The short chapters are perfect to start the day with inspiration. The subjects can also be used as needed for special moments in life. I always seem to come back to it like a wise, old friend.