Prayer Primer: Igniting a Fire Within – Book Recommendation

Prayer Primer : Igniting a Fire Within – by Thomas DuBay

This is a must read for those looking either to begin, or to deepen their prayer lives. Father Dubay, with brevity and clarity, covers all the foundational elements of each type of prayer (vocal, liturgical, mental, contemplative, etc.). For those already experienced with vocal or liturgical prayer, this book will help you evaluate your prayer life and determine how to further develop your relationship with God. For those who already have a solid understanding of meditation and contemplation (within the context of the definitions provided by the Church and the spiritual doctors of the Church), you might look to “Fire Within” instead (also by Fr. Dubay). However, even with experience in these areas, this book will equip you with the perspective you need to evaluate your prayer life in each important area and to navigate deeper waters as you grow in grace.

Regardless of who you are, if you are beginning or reigniting your prayer quest – this book should be the first book you pick up. Click here to learn more.

Spiritual direction reading plan – Part I

When I entered into spiritual direction one of my first assignments was to read “Spiritual Progress” by Father Thomas Williams, LC. This was a great starting point for me to begin this important trek. My challenge was that, as a convert to Catholicism, my head was filled with a handful of ideas about the spiritual life that were not well integrated yet. I had a number of questions like, What were the distinctions between meditation and contemplation? Where should I start as I seek to deepen my prayer life (vocal prayer, mental prayer, etc.) Is contemplation just thinking about Christ, or is it far more than that? How can I deepen my relationship with Christ?

My spiritual director helped me through these and many other questions, but I am aware that many of you don’t have access to a director at this time, and may not in the near future. If I had to do it all over again and I did not have a spiritual director, I would read the following books in the order I have listed them below.

This list in this order would have helped me avoid a good measure of confusion. Each of these books will benefit beginners, experienced begin-againers, and the experienced seeking to build or rebuild greater depth. These works (with the exception of the Gospel meditations section of “The Better Part”) are instructional works, not devotional. They are recommended here because they illumine the spiritual path clearly, concisely, and with sufficient depth and breadth for most readers.

• Spiritual Progress by Father Thomas D. Williams, LC: This book will provide a broad and foundational overview regarding how to progress in the spiritual life.
• Prayer Primer by Father Thomas Dubay, SM: This book will establish a solid foundation of understanding of all key forms of prayer along with the challenges and benefits of each.
• The Better Part by Father John Bartunek, LC: This book will take you deeper into your knowledge of Christ through a clear guide to meditation method and daily readings on the Gospels. This is excellent preparation for contemplative prayer.
• Deep Conversion/Deep Prayer by Father Thomas Dubay, SM: This book will help to keep you motivated and encouraged in your spiritual development.

Seek Him – Find Him – Follow Him

Pax Christi – Dan