Talking with God: Four Treatises on the Interior Life from St. Alphonsus Liguori; The Way to Converse with God, A Short Treatise on Prayer, Mental Prayer, The Presence of God

by Alfonso María de Liguori

Talking with Four Treatises on the Interior Life from St. Alphonsus Liguori; The Way to Converse with God, A Short Treatise on Prayer, Mental Prayer, The Presence of NCX Navigation with over 75 links to all chapters and sections-- Interactive Table of Contents Within these works, St. Alphonsus stresses the importance of the inner life; the ease with which we can converse with God; on how the eternal truths are revealed to us; the absolute necessity of prayer, and how all is eventually lost without prayer. He directs us as to how to talk with God; explains how God answers us; how God listens to the prayers of everyone, and shows us how to continually have God's Presence with us throughout our day.Scriptoria Books has transcribed this edition word for word from original sources. It was then edited, formatted, typeset, and proofread through each revision. Our procedures are not automated. Our editions are not facsimiles and do not contain OCR interpreted text. Our books are carefully created new editions of classic works.

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Faith, Religion

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2011

About the author

Saint 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.

Reviews

[Fr. Peter Mottola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liguori's writings on how to pray are excellent. He laments that is his day, few preachers ever spoke on the subject of how to pray, beyond the recitation of simple formulas. This accords with my own experience, even in seminary. I highly recommend anything by St. Alphonsus.

Four stars because this collection of four short treatises is probably not the best organization of his material on the subject. I especially note that the first essay, "The Way to Converse Always and Familiarly with God," is the most difficult to read and by no means necessary in order to enjoy "A Short Treatise on Prayer," "Mental Prayer," or "The Presence of God". I encourage those who pick up this collection to read last the treatise published first.

[Kimm W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book filled with insight on simple but powerful ways to converse with God, offering prayers and quotes from Saints on the importance of the inner life.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little collection of reflections on prayer and meditation by St. Alphonsus, a man who I have yet to get to know well but very much like so far. His instructions on a method of prayer are manageable and helpful-- he originally composed them for the poor and uneducated in secular life, so they fit very well for the average lay person, "busy" and spiritually ignorant as we can often be.

I've heard from acquaintances that St. Alphonsus and his order, the Redemptorists, have something of a reputation for emphasizing the narrowness of the way. This is to say that historically they aren't short on emphasizing the danger of "the loss of heaven and the pains of hell." And yes, if he mentions hell, it is in an unflinching manner. He certainly doesn't want you to forget that it's a real possibility. And yet, when he does mention hell, it is not in a chastising manner that inspires servile fear, but in one that inspires genuine contrition. Balancing his reflections on damnation are his doubly represented comments about God's love. I've never read a saint that so plainly expresses God's love for us. Sometimes his explanations of God's desire to connect with and love us were so sweet and intimate that I would self-consciously think, "What? You're talking about me, too?"

If you have difficulty in prayer due to a certain lack of intimacy with God, or if you simply desire more structure to your time in prayer, this book is highly recommended. It encourages and gives a plan of action. Couldn't ask for anything more. Thanks, Alphonsus Ligouri, and thank you Scriptoria Books for publishing such a little gem!

[Jose-Luis La Torre-Cuadros · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great collection of short instructions that can help you to be closer to God, he specially helps you with very practical techniques to improve your prayer life, specially mental prayer. Easy to read and share.

[Jack Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself is cheap and doesn't look that polished but don't judge a book by its cover! These four treatises from Liguori are excellent for anyone who needs guidance on prayer. Liguori is very clear about step by step instructions on how to pray which many other works can overlook. Four brilliant treatises from the esteemed Doctor of the Church.

[Books Of The Way · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very blessed book regarding how to talk to God in a saintly and devoted way . Talking to God is the reason He created us.