In Silence: Why We Pray

by Donald Spoto

A thought-provoking study of the most intimate form of spiritual communication explores the diverse forms and types of prayer--dialogue, petition, forgiveness, suffering, and others--as well as the role of prayer in the world's great religions. Reprint.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

A prolific and respected biographer and theologian, Donald Spoto is the author of twenty published books, among them bestselling biographies of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Alfred Hitchcock, Tennessee Williams, and Ingrid Bergman. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Donald Spoto earned his Ph.D. in theology at Fordham University. After years as a theology professor, he turned to fulltime writing. The Hidden Jesus: A New Life, published in 1999, was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "offering a mature faith fit for the new millennium." His successful biography of Saint Francis was published in 2002.

Reviews

[Dale]

Spoto gives an excellent view of the "interior life' in this book and introduces readers to the great mystics from the East and West. The section on abandonment in prayer is worth reading over and over.

[Ellie]

Wonderful book.

[Moira Shepard]

I found this book moving and inspiring. Spoto quotes prayers from many faith traditions and ancient cultures. When I found a prayer I liked, I spoke it out loud and felt even more deeply connected to the Divine. Thank you, Donald Spoto, for your compassionate and heartfelt exploration of why we pray.

[Rkaser1974]

This was a gift from my good friend Father Gordy. I was so delighted to be introduced to this author.

[Julie]

Looking forward to this...should be interesting.