How to Pray: A Practical Guide

by David Torkington

David Torkington

92 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

David Torkington is a Spiritual Theologian, Author and Speaker, who specializes in Prayer, Christian Spirituality and Mystical Theology.
He has sold over 400,000 books in more than twelve different languages. He was educated at the Franciscan Study Centre, England and the National Catholic Radio and Television Centre, Hatch End, London where he was appointed to the post of Dean of Studies.
He was extra mural lecturer in Mystical Theology at the Dominican University in Rome (The Angelicum). In addition to giving Retreats and lecturing all over Europe, he undertook five prolonged lecture tours to Africa, mainly Equatorial Africa, speaking on Prayer and Spirituality to Religious, Monks, Diocesan Priests and lay people.
His latest book is The Primacy of Loving.
He is a member of The Athenaeum, Pall Mall, London

Reviews

[Kathryn G. Maas]

I have known of David Torkington for quite a few years, finding him and his books while researching offerings for small groups meeting prior to Lent, but not finding what I was seeking, I moved on and didn't read anything on my own. I've recently felt my prayer life was lacking, was somewhat stale, and had fallen into habit rather than desire. Looking for refreshers, I thought How to Pray would be a great starting point - and I wasn't wrong. In fact, it is such an amazing book that I will be promoting it with everyone I know. Starting at the beginning of our prayer life, Mr. Torkington breaks down the basics of prayer then moves chronologically through developing a deeper relationship with God through prayer, all the way to mystical experience through prayer. It is a MASTERFUL treatment of the how to's, broken into small chapters that address all manner of prayer, and how to grow with it. I was able to take breaks in reading to meditate on what I'd read, and come right back into it when I was ready. His writing style is simple, direct, and uplifting. I came away from this book completely energized to improve and grow closer to God. A must have for anyone seeking ways to go deeper in our union with the Trinity.

[Faith Flaherty]

Not that I'm a beginner at praying, but I'm no expert either. I'm always want to improve. Hence, I picked up David Torkington's book, "How to Pray: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Life". Some things I knew and some I didn't, but in total, the book is an excellent guide for everyone, especially beginners.
If I were a spiritual director and a director came to me because they wanted to pray better, I'd give them this book. He starts by stressing to keep trying. IOW, fake it until you make it. He uses a memory job--Parousia:
P -- Profess to God an address to Him
A -- Adore him, tell God how wonderful He is.
R -- Reconciliation, sorry for failings
O -- Offer, praises, thoughts
U -- Union, with God
S -- Silence, listen to God's voice
I -- Intercession, for your family and friends' needs
A -- Action, resolve to be better.

[Peter Nguyen]

Read because David Torkington has shown up recently on Crisis Magazine, etc., discussing how we should all seek mystical prayer. Decent introductory material. Audio recording can be found here: https://davidtorkington.com/how_to_pr....

[David Torkington]

‘How to Pray’ is a finalist for this year’s Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) “Excellence in Publishing” awards (in the “Prayer” category).