reviews
Sep 06, 2008
Nate
rated it: 
Good book about one Orthodox bishop's reflections on prayer. Very personal, very honest. He had a strong emphasis on encountering God in doubt and darkness, especially when all of our formulations and images of God fail to match with reality. I appreciate the fact that he recognizes that sometimes God doesn't show up, and sometimes we have to wrestle with him in order to reach him. It's a real relationship, and prayer isn't just saying set prayers, nor is it just talking to God as if he were
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Oct 19, 2011
Theron
rated it: 
Beginning to Pray is a wonderful little book that is simple to read and opens up a world of prayer that is a beautiful encounter with God. Met. Bloom writes very complex ideas into truly simple and wonderful language. There is a sense that Met. Bloom truly knows what it means to pray. The following link will give more info about Met. Bloom.
It is difficult to summarize so much that the book presents. In fact, there are so many nuggets of truth, I imagine multiple readings over time woul More...
It is difficult to summarize so much that the book presents. In fact, there are so many nuggets of truth, I imagine multiple readings over time woul More...
Jan 18, 2012
Maurice
rated it:
I've read this book many times. It is best described as an 'introduction' to contemplative prayer. What is contemplative prayer? I doubt that I am the best person to attempt a definition, but it is prayer that seeks a resting in the presence and reality of God, a perception of God with the spirit, as opposed to a simple listing of needs.
The late Metropolitan Anthony Bloom calls himself a 'beginner,' with the reader/hearer. He begins by reminding his hearers that prayer is like any r More...
The late Metropolitan Anthony Bloom calls himself a 'beginner,' with the reader/hearer. He begins by reminding his hearers that prayer is like any r More...
Sep 21, 2009
Tom
rated it:
Accessible but not simplistic. A welcome and far cry from the rote spiritual pablum I was raised on regarding prayer in daily life. Bloom explains that prayer starts (and often ends) in silence, an attitude that echoes much I've read about meditation.
My favorite passage describes an elderly French peasant who spends hours on end every day sitting quietly in the village church, apparently doing nothing. Perplexed, the priest finally asks the old man what he's doing. He replies, " More...
My favorite passage describes an elderly French peasant who spends hours on end every day sitting quietly in the village church, apparently doing nothing. Perplexed, the priest finally asks the old man what he's doing. He replies, " More...
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Feb 19, 2012
Julie
rated it:
Rereading this one for the Elements of Faith book club. It's a little earlier than I usually read our books ... preferring to finish right before a meeting ... but I've got to pass this on to Hannah so she can take a bash at it.
I've read this at least twice before and always get something good out of it.
UPDATE
I have lent this to Hannah so she can read it ... and I will reread it super-fast during the week before our meeting (fingers crossed!).
UPDATE 2
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I've read this at least twice before and always get something good out of it.
UPDATE
I have lent this to Hannah so she can read it ... and I will reread it super-fast during the week before our meeting (fingers crossed!).
UPDATE 2
Back More...
Jun 12, 2010
Joel
rated it:
Probably the best book on prayer I have ever read. I especially like his focus on encountering God in everyday life, and his suggestions for bettering prayer.
Mar 15, 2010
Olive
rated it:
I read this twice. For anyone who wants to learn about prayer in a way that is deeper than merely talking to God, this is an excellent book.
Dec 15, 2008
Brian
rated it:
another of the handful of books I will read many times. honest, indispensible advice on prayer and life.
Aug 27, 2010
Bryce
rated it:
bloom brings a very different perspective from what i am used to. this opened me up to move Godward.
Aug 19, 2011
Adam
rated it:
Full review at http://bookwi.se/beginning-to-pray-by-an...
Short Review: I am in a project of reading about prayer from other traditions. I found this book very valuable. It is short but full of lots of wisdom about prayer. Clearly Bloom is writing from a Orthodox perspective and that different perspective gave me some new language to describe and think about prayer. I am planning on re-reading this in another six months.
Short Review: I am in a project of reading about prayer from other traditions. I found this book very valuable. It is short but full of lots of wisdom about prayer. Clearly Bloom is writing from a Orthodox perspective and that different perspective gave me some new language to describe and think about prayer. I am planning on re-reading this in another six months.
Apr 22, 2011
Amy
rated it:
Highly recommend this book for anyone looking to develop their ability to pray. It is written for Orthodox Christians but I think it would appeal to others as well. I read one chapter at a sitting and found it a deep and moving read.
Dec 07, 2011
Alan
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May 11, 2008
Jocelyn
rated it:
I have read this book multiple times. This time I read it once and then I read it again right away. The driving question behind this book is how can we communicate with God when we are human and God is God?
Aug 19, 2011
Fr. Ted
rated it:
I've read this book 4 times and find it enlightening each time I read it. Good insights into what it means to be a Christian and to pray. Excellent anecdotes which help us to see prayer in a new way.
Dec 21, 2008
Cary
rated it:
I am LOVING this... profound yet simple. To be read several times, I can tell already.
Feb 13, 2011
Wonderful and humble perspective about learning how to move "Godward". Great insights
Feb 18, 2012
Feb 10, 2012
Feb 07, 2012
