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How to Converse Continually and Familiarly With God
Book by Alphonse De Liguori, L. X. Aubin
Hardcover
First published December 1, 1977
214 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Alfonso María de Liguori
1,206 books184 followersSaint Alfonso María de Liguori, CSsR (1696–1787), was an Italian Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian.
He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). In 1762 he was appointed Bishop of Sant'Agata dei Goti. A prolific writer, he published nine editions of his "Moral Theology" in his lifetime, in addition to other devotional and ascetic works and letters. Among his best known works are "The Glories of Mary" and "The Way of the Cross", the latter still used in parishes during Lenten devotions.
He was canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871. One of the most widely read Catholic authors, he is the patron saint of confessors.
He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). In 1762 he was appointed Bishop of Sant'Agata dei Goti. A prolific writer, he published nine editions of his "Moral Theology" in his lifetime, in addition to other devotional and ascetic works and letters. Among his best known works are "The Glories of Mary" and "The Way of the Cross", the latter still used in parishes during Lenten devotions.
He was canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871. One of the most widely read Catholic authors, he is the patron saint of confessors.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 21, 2019
A wonderful, short book on How To Converse With God. Praying aside, this book teaches us how to have an open dialogue with God daily. Five big stars! 😇
October 20, 2016
A beautiful little reminder that though ‘He is infinite Majesty, He is also infinite Goodness and Love. There can be no greater Lord than God; neither can there be a more ardent lover than He.’ We are told by St. Liquori to consider that no one loves you more than your God, how to strengthen confidence in Him, break attachments to things of earth, acquire the habit of speaking familiarly with Him and many other invaluable skills to grow closer to the One who loves beyond all description.
How to Converse with God is a wonderful little pocket or purse-size book to keep close at hand and pull out when you are at a loss for words, what to say with/to your Best Friend. Many there are who claim God never speaks to them, yet my belief is just the opposite. So dear a Lover as God must speak to us all the time. We have just failed to learn the fine arts of listening and discernment. For myself, I have to run away from people, close all my books and even my Bible (at times) to tone down all the noise in my head, just so I can discern His Voice apart from the rest.
One of my favorite of the 20 mini-chapters came near the end, was entitled, “Creation’s Hymn of Praise” and told of how Our Beloved speaks to us through the beauties of His created world. It told of a certain holy man who while walking through the fields, would gently strike the flowers and plants he met on his way. “Do not speak any more,” he would say; “do not reproach me with my ingratitude to God. I hear you; keep quiet; that is enough.” and later of St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi who when she held in her hand a fruit or flower, felt herself wounded by divine love. “Behold,” she would say, “how my God has thought for all eternity of creating this fruit and this flower as a token of His love for me.”
It concludes with a list of short prayers.
Original review: 4 Feb 15; reread 20 Oct 15
How to Converse with God is a wonderful little pocket or purse-size book to keep close at hand and pull out when you are at a loss for words, what to say with/to your Best Friend. Many there are who claim God never speaks to them, yet my belief is just the opposite. So dear a Lover as God must speak to us all the time. We have just failed to learn the fine arts of listening and discernment. For myself, I have to run away from people, close all my books and even my Bible (at times) to tone down all the noise in my head, just so I can discern His Voice apart from the rest.
One of my favorite of the 20 mini-chapters came near the end, was entitled, “Creation’s Hymn of Praise” and told of how Our Beloved speaks to us through the beauties of His created world. It told of a certain holy man who while walking through the fields, would gently strike the flowers and plants he met on his way. “Do not speak any more,” he would say; “do not reproach me with my ingratitude to God. I hear you; keep quiet; that is enough.” and later of St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi who when she held in her hand a fruit or flower, felt herself wounded by divine love. “Behold,” she would say, “how my God has thought for all eternity of creating this fruit and this flower as a token of His love for me.”
It concludes with a list of short prayers.
Original review: 4 Feb 15; reread 20 Oct 15
February 13, 2020
When you are feeling down and unworthy, this book will uplift you. It will help you realize how much God loves you. This book shows you simply how to love God and give Him glory through regular every day activities. I will try to read it often because I'm sure to learn more from this great saint with each reading.
February 5, 2013
Sometimes there are some books that contain the greatness of a Spiritual Tradition in so small a space, and this is one of them, this book could probably get completed in a one afternoon. I recommend this book for anyone who is traumatized by the Calvinistic conception of God as well as suffers from Scrupulosity, and wants to know the Christian God of Love that is grounded in Reverence but also Confidence, in a manner that is direct and to the point.
November 4, 2023
Worth reading and rereading regularly for the rest of your life.
November 2, 2021
I will definitely be returning to this little pamphlet again and again. I have been suffering due to harsh external circumstances and I really needed this reminder of God’s infinite goodness and love for all humans created in His image.
St. Alphonsus battled severe scruples and also fought against the harsh, puritanical Jansenist heresy. I find modern Christianity fluctuates wildly between a tendency towards rigid perfectionism/spiritual pride, and totally moral laxity. St. Alphonsus’ vision of an infinitely merciful and loving God is the mean between these two extremes. We can feel safe in the knowledge of God’s love, which is developed through prayer; however, love isn’t easy and it demands sacrifice, trust, patience etc. Love caused Christ become a helpless infant, and to die horribly to save us.
I highly recommend this booklet to anyone in need of consolation. It’s too easy to think suffering won’t end and to despair. But God doesn’t give up on anyone—he desperately wants our salvation. There is always reason to hope.
St. Alphonsus battled severe scruples and also fought against the harsh, puritanical Jansenist heresy. I find modern Christianity fluctuates wildly between a tendency towards rigid perfectionism/spiritual pride, and totally moral laxity. St. Alphonsus’ vision of an infinitely merciful and loving God is the mean between these two extremes. We can feel safe in the knowledge of God’s love, which is developed through prayer; however, love isn’t easy and it demands sacrifice, trust, patience etc. Love caused Christ become a helpless infant, and to die horribly to save us.
I highly recommend this booklet to anyone in need of consolation. It’s too easy to think suffering won’t end and to despair. But God doesn’t give up on anyone—he desperately wants our salvation. There is always reason to hope.
March 18, 2025
Fantastic read, highly recommend!
August 17, 2025
This book is so beautifully written, it talks about how we should always talk to God.
Because he is our helper, lover, and protector.
I really recommend this book. 📕
Because he is our helper, lover, and protector.
I really recommend this book. 📕
April 24, 2023
While reading a spiritual book, 'Listen to the Desert' in Korean, I found a beautiful analogy quoted from St. Alphonse Liguori. I wanted to know who the saint is by reading his work. I chose the shortest but most inducing title to me, "How to Converse with God."
In the morning, as soon as you get up, start your day with a 30-minute meditation. Form the habit of speaking to God. Speak to Him of everything as to the dearest and most loving of friends. St. Alphonse introduces verses from the testament to help our understanding of his saying. You can pray in any situation. In your continuing anguish, you can unite your prayers to those of Jesus Christ dying in utter desolation on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast Thou hast forsaken me?" God is not a judge for those who love and believe in Him. He will be the judge for those who don't follow Him. Don't stay discouraged by your sin. If you stay so, you will converse but little with God; your confidence in Him will grow less; your desire to love Him will become cold. If you turn to God at once to ask His pardon and to promise amendment, your faults will help you to advance further in divine love.
When you ask for something in your prayers, you ask for it in detail as if God does not know anything about your needs. In the bible, Jesus asked the people what they wanted Him to do for them. He did not assume something for granted or he did not behave as if he knew their needs without asking them.
St. Alphonse showed us why we have to pray, and how to pray. In the end, he wrapped up the book with many short prayers of some saints we can use.
In the morning, as soon as you get up, start your day with a 30-minute meditation. Form the habit of speaking to God. Speak to Him of everything as to the dearest and most loving of friends. St. Alphonse introduces verses from the testament to help our understanding of his saying. You can pray in any situation. In your continuing anguish, you can unite your prayers to those of Jesus Christ dying in utter desolation on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast Thou hast forsaken me?" God is not a judge for those who love and believe in Him. He will be the judge for those who don't follow Him. Don't stay discouraged by your sin. If you stay so, you will converse but little with God; your confidence in Him will grow less; your desire to love Him will become cold. If you turn to God at once to ask His pardon and to promise amendment, your faults will help you to advance further in divine love.
When you ask for something in your prayers, you ask for it in detail as if God does not know anything about your needs. In the bible, Jesus asked the people what they wanted Him to do for them. He did not assume something for granted or he did not behave as if he knew their needs without asking them.
St. Alphonse showed us why we have to pray, and how to pray. In the end, he wrapped up the book with many short prayers of some saints we can use.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
What a beautiful spiritual book. This is a perfect addition to your daily prayers, or to bring with you to Adoration. St. Alphonsus Liguori is one of my favorite go-to saints, especially for good spiritual wisdom. Easy to read, and one to read over and over again.
October 20, 2015
A short enlightening read. Each brief "chapter" is an exegesis worthy of daily meditation. A two minute read in the morning yields a day full of spiritual reflection. Golden.
March 11, 2019
A very short but powerful read.
September 4, 2019
Another enjoyable part of my morning quiet time.
June 2, 2022
Simple, quick read. Very uplifting!
June 12, 2020
I would have liked more commentary/advice by the Saint as was in the first half rather than the second half which was in essence book of prayers recommended by Liguori. Still, it contains good advice and although I have many prayer books already it is nice to know those which a saint recommended and at what frequency to use them. What sticks out particularly is to use many acts of contrition, hope, charity, etc, similar to how a Catholic is to do many spiritual communions throughout the day (St. Francis timed it so he did one every 15 minutes or so legend has it). Of course he did also explain and advise how to talk to God from the heart without prescribed prayers, which was the best part for me. For someone without prayer books and having done much vocal prayer from such books as I have (remembered, becoming the scaffolding of much personal prayer), this book would be perfect! Such a person would probably give this book 5 stars. Still this book is not only for beginners but is instructive to disciples at all stages on the path to Union with a Christ (hopefully in this lifetime! though it may be hard for laymen like myself).
October 14, 2024
As with Liguori's "Conformity with God's Will", this little book should also be read again and again, as it is full of good insights that must always be revisited!
Good explanations on how to approach prayer, the strength and importance it should have in our life, which virtues you need for a good prayer and the differences between types of prayer.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants to have a better prayer life and is starting to go deeper on how to do it properly!
"There he wishes us to love him and to pray to him: for he remains in us full of love and mercy, to hear our supplications, to receive our affections, to enlighten us, to govern us, to bestow on us his gifts, and to assist us in all that can contribute to our eternal salvation."
Good explanations on how to approach prayer, the strength and importance it should have in our life, which virtues you need for a good prayer and the differences between types of prayer.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants to have a better prayer life and is starting to go deeper on how to do it properly!
"There he wishes us to love him and to pray to him: for he remains in us full of love and mercy, to hear our supplications, to receive our affections, to enlighten us, to govern us, to bestow on us his gifts, and to assist us in all that can contribute to our eternal salvation."
June 29, 2017
Very practical
Very practical and well thought out. Easy read but full of wisdom. I'm not fully there on my spiritual journey but this helped me to plot out my paths in many practical ways. We shall see how God will lead me.
Very practical and well thought out. Easy read but full of wisdom. I'm not fully there on my spiritual journey but this helped me to plot out my paths in many practical ways. We shall see how God will lead me.
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May 7, 2021Great book!
Very easy to read and comforting. I would recommend to all readers who want a better prayer life.Loved reading it!
Very easy to read and comforting. I would recommend to all readers who want a better prayer life.Loved reading it!
September 6, 2022
A wonderful pocket-sized booklet on prayer with several pages of short prayers and aspirations at the end.
July 15, 2023
Good short read
Worth the short time it took to read. Helps move your mind to the direction of the Lord. Praise God.
Worth the short time it took to read. Helps move your mind to the direction of the Lord. Praise God.
August 19, 2024
So much to contemplate! I feel as though this is a great stepping stone to love Jesus more deeply.
September 27, 2024
Everyone needs to read this book.
March 13, 2025
A small, short book, but this doctor of the Church never fails to inspire me! I needed these words and truths in this book currently!
June 17, 2025
Most of the time that I see a book written by Saint Alphonsus Liguori, I end up buying it. This was a short but very nice on prayer and conversing with God.
August 9, 2025
INSPIRING LITTLE BOOK
Twenty short chapters filled with guidance in prayer. Liguori stresses constant contact with God. It is a great book to use for daily meditation.
Twenty short chapters filled with guidance in prayer. Liguori stresses constant contact with God. It is a great book to use for daily meditation.
June 5, 2024
Even if you are not a Christian, you should read this book to 10x your gratitude and honesty to God / yourself.
Put in your faith, practice silently 10 days with the prayers in it and see your life changed.
God bless!
Put in your faith, practice silently 10 days with the prayers in it and see your life changed.
God bless!
August 5, 2015
The short passages in this book provide a great springboard for daily reflection or personal prayer. The organization makes it easy to flip to specific passages, which include topics such as "Love and Confidence," "Rejoice in the Lord," "Sanctify Every Day," and "Keep Eternity Near at Hand." A section of "Short Prayers and Aspirations" is at the back of the book. This volume is short and small, and it's one I hope to return to frequently.
July 31, 2020
"...a certain holy man who, while walking through the fields, would gently strike with a stick the flowers and plants he met on his way. "Do not speak any more," he would say; "do not reproach me with my ingratitude to God. I hear you; keep quiet; that is enough."
"O my Jesus, Thou Who art very Love, enkindle in my heart that divine fire which consumes the Saints and transforms them into Thee!"
St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church, pray for us!
"O my Jesus, Thou Who art very Love, enkindle in my heart that divine fire which consumes the Saints and transforms them into Thee!"
St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church, pray for us!
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April 17, 2019Really helpful, pithy reflections on (mental) prayer from this splendid Doctor.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews