One of the saddest realities of our day is that the vast majority of Christians do not make prayer a priority in their lives. The reasons why this is the case are quite extensive and varied. However, even though the trend not to pray regularly is very pervasive, it certainly is not inevitable. In fact, the record of Christians failing to pray in a consistent manner is so well documented that a multitude of books about prayer have been written specifically in response to this problem.
Perhaps one of the most comprehensive readable books on the topic of prayer in recent years is "Prayer Primer: Igniting a Fire Within" by Thomas Dubay, S.M. This book is the winter selection for the One Book, One Diocese program. The potential for improving your prayer life by reading this book is great, and such potential can be augmented significantly by sharing and discussing the contents with another person or within a group.
Father Dubay begins by reminding the reader why it is that we are inclined to pray and why it is that we must pray. Beyond fulfilling the basic practice of attending Mass regularly, we have a very basic need to commune with God at various times during the week, or even during a given day. It simply is not sufficient for us to rattle off a routine set of memorized formulaic prayers. While many such prayers certainly can be part of a daily routine, our prayer life cannot consist of these only.
Our author makes the case for praying first by setting forth a long list of probing questions for the reader to ponder. Then he follows up with short chapters on the primary types of prayer, along with helpful suggestions on how to incorporate these ways of praying into our spiritual routines. Here are some of the chapter titles: Why Pray?, Elegant Variety, Vocal Prayer, Meditation, Contemplation, Liturgical Prayer, Family Prayer, Prayer in a Busy Life, Problems and Pitfalls. Father Dubay’s wisdom and insight are invaluable!
Whether we use this book for personal growth or as the focus of a study group, we are sure to come closer to Jesus by making prayer a bigger priority in our lives. The Holy Bible, which is a wonderful prayer book in its own right, provides plentiful examples of the power of prayer in the lives of God’s people. Jesus instructs us to pray constantly and He, Himself was observed often at prayer. It behooves us as Christians to follow His instructions concerning prayer as well as His example. Reading "Prayer Primer" not only will help us to obey and imitate Jesus better, but to know and serve Him better as well. Sounds like a bargain at any price!
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