The Path of Prayer: Reflections on Prayer and True Stories of How It Affects Our Lives

by Sophy Burnham

Sophy Burnham's unique, humanistic approach to the spiritual has inspired millions of readers. Now in this luminous, yet down-to-earth and practical book, she explores the universal meaning of prayer and its practice and shows how prayer can help those of all faiths-or none-to resolve doubts and anxieties, find comfort during troubled times, and realize their deepest longings, thoughts, and dreams. With characteristic grace, Burnham shares her personal observations and experience with prayer, as well as true stories of people who have found answers-sometimes miracles-through prayer. It is short enough to read in one sitting, deep enough to peruse again and again. Filled with suggestions and prayers from many traditions, this engaging volume provides strength and direction at just the time many people are searching for answers.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Sophy Burnham is an award-winning playwright, novelist, and non-fiction writer. Three of her books have appeared on THE NEW YORK TIMES and other best seller lists. Her works have been translated into twenty-four languages. Her articles and essays have been published in ESQUIRE, NEW YORK, THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, TOWN & COUNTRY, READER'S DIGEST and many other magazines. In addition to her theater interests, she is a psychic or intuitive, a healer, and a spiritual director. She lives in Washington D.C. New novel, 'Love, Alba' coming summer 2015!

Reviews

[Amy Sjoquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. Wonderful comparison of the prayer practices of different faiths.

[Christine Vranas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have bought this book ages ago. I can’t even remember if I read it back then in its entirety but all of a sudden I found it in my bookshelf. Out of curiosity I opened it again and it’s message cried out to me. To me this book is just a guide to connect spiritually with the great life force. She employs examples from all religions and shows us the similarities rather than the differences that abound between them. As once again I personally am about to face a great challenge in my life I know that I must employ the power of prayer to help me achieve my goal, ironically by embracing surrender to God and the forces of the universe. Alone I am nothing but a lifetime of pretty harsh realities, but my mantra of triumph over adversity comes from faith and the channeling of the strength of the Holy Spirit to endure and persevere. She has some strong reminders of looking for the good and not succumbing to the negative but also a gentle reminder that even if we can’t quite forgive all that is asked of us is that we try.

[L.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on honoring cross cultural religions that I’ve read since Joseph Campbell. Sophy has dedicated her talent and love to sharing the good word with all humankind. This book is definitely a good read.

[Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend gave this book to me as a gift. The timing could not have been better, as I faced incredible challenges just days after receiving the book. I found the wisdom in the book to be a lifeline for me. The author draws on many faith traditions to provide a framework for understanding and creating prayers.

[Joan Porte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating is the best word I have for this book. One minute she talks about Jesus is the next about the universe and the next about Hindu gods. She needs to find a modality and stick with it. She's trying to be in with the in crowd of spirituality but not quite making it.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rereading and finding more to like than I remembered.