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Of all spiritual practices, perhaps none is more central to the growth of faith and the development of spiritual maturity than prayer. Discover forms and practices of both "active" and "quiet" prayer in a variety of faith traditions.
SPIRITUALITY : Prayer
  Armchair Mystic: Easing Into Contemplative Prayer (Book)
Mark E. Thibodeaux S.J., Author.
Cinncinati, OH: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2001.
Spiritual director and Jesuit priest Mark Thibodeaux explores the theory and practice of befriending and be befriended by God. He delineates four stages of prayer: talking at God, talking to God, listening to God, and being with God.
A Praying Congregation: The Art of Teaching Spiritual Practice (Book)
Jane E. Vennard, Author.
Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2005.
Jane Vennard offers not only particular prayer forms, but also tools and processes that foster a safe environment for dialogue about prayer. Leaders seeking to deepen and expand their own and others' prayer lives will find this resource indispensable.
Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life (Book)
Marjorie J Thompson, Author.
Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995.
True to its title, Soul Feast invites the reader to sample the rich and varied disciplines of Christian spiritual practice.
Spirit Windows: A Handbook of Spiritual Growth Resources for Leaders (Book)
Ann Z. Kulp, Author.
Bridge Resources, 1998.
Spirit Windows offers many resources and practical ideas for persons who lead contemplative or intercessory prayer gatherings, meditation groups, retreats, or other events that seek to enhance participants’ awareness of God.
 World Prayers (Web Resource)
World Prayers Project
In an effort to improve human relations by celebrating the many forms of prayer the world over, World Prayers provides Internet access to prayers written by spiritual visionaries over many centuries.
 Blessing New Voices: Prayers of Young People and Worship Resources for Youth Ministry (Book)
Maren C. Tirabassi, Author.
Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, 2000.
This unique resource from Maren Tirabassi seeks to enhance teenagers' worship experiences by presenting different forms of worship—including prayers written by teenagers themselves.
Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening (Book)
Cynthia Bourgeault, Author.
Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2004.
Although not for beginners, this book is excellent for anyone who wishes to deepen a practice of centering prayer or learn more about contemplative prayer in general. It includes suggestions for developing sensitivity to centered living.
Embracing the World: Praying for Justice and Peace (Book)
Jane E. Vennard, Author.
San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2002.
Describing a model of prayer for justice and peace, Jane Vennard draws us into deeper relationship with God and the world. While we often think of "prayer" and "action" as opposites, Vennard presents them as complementary.
The Faith Factor: Proof of the Healing Power of Prayer (Book)
Dale A. Matthews, Author.
New York, NY: Penguin Books, 1998.
Dale Matthews, professor of medicine at Georgetown University, explores how faith can enhance the immune system, help prevent and fight disease, and lead to greater emotional and spiritual resourcefulness.
Lord, Have Mercy: Praying for Justice With Conviction and Humility (Book)
Claire E. Wolfteich, Author.
San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2006.
Lord, Have Mercy presents six case studies to explore how Christian communities are using prayer to respond faithfully to complex social issues, especially when they are divided on the issue confronting them.
Moment by Moment: A Retreat in Everyday Life (Book)
Carol Ann Smith, Eugene F. Merz, Authors.
Ava Maria Press, 2000.
Grounded in the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius, Moment by Moment provides daily opportunities for prayer and spiritual reflection. It will be helpful for anyone seeking to appreciate the sacred during short periods of daily life.
Prayer for People Who Can't Sit Still (Book)
William Tenny-Brittian, Author.
St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2005.
Prayer for People Who Can't Sit Still offers ten "kinesthetic"—but fully contemplative—prayer practices that enable people to use their bodies in creative ways as they seek to know and respond to God's presence.
Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God (Book)
Sybil MacBeth, Author.
Paraclete Press, 2007.
If you or your congregation have struggled with prayer, if prayer seems lifeless and dry, you might consider this resource. Sybil MacBeth explores how doodling in color can become a doorway to naturally flowing and effective prayer.
To Know God: Small Group Exercises for Spiritual Formation (Book)
Michael Gemignani, Author.
Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2001.
Drawing on centuries of teachings in Western Christianity and Eastern Orthodoxy, Michael Gemignani has created a year-long spiritual development program for use in congregations.
The Way into Jewish Prayer (Book)
Lawrence A. Hoffman, Author.
Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2000.
Using Jewish history and thought as a foundation, The Way into Jewish Prayer explains the why, how, where, what, and when of Jewish prayer.
Your Word is Fire: The Hasidic Masters on Contemplative Prayer (Book)
Arthur Green, Barry W. Holtz, Editors.
Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2002.
Through this book, those who are both within and outside of the Orthodox strains of Judaism will find guidance for the practice of prayer and insights on the power of prayer to transform our lives.
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