Prayer for Beginners
Prayer can feel hard - but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In Prayer for Beginners, renowned philosopher Peter Kreeft offers simple, heartfelt guidance for anyone who struggles to pray yet longs to grow closer to God. Drawing on the wisdom of spiritual masters, especially Brother Lawrence, Kreeft shares practical steps for building a deeper prayer life rooted in grace, honesty, and perseverance. Whether you’re just starting to pray or starting over, this book is a gentle, encouraging companion on the journey. Learn more about the book here: https://ignatius.com/prayer-for-beginners-pfbp/
20 sessions
1Prayer for BeginnersA quick message from the publisher of Prayer for Beginners, Ignatius Press.A Message from the Publisher
2IntroductionIn this introduction, Dr. Kreeft offers this book not as an expert, but as a fellow traveler - sharing simple, honest insights to help anyone grow closer to God through prayer.How This Book is Different
3Chapter 1Prayer is soul food - essential as meals for the body. Dr. Kreeft invites us to begin prayer thoughtfully and actively, because spiritual growth only happens in action, not just good intentions.Necessity
4Chapter 2Ten reasons to pray: from world change and obedience to joy, truth, and beauty. Prayer is love, not mechanics - and it fulfills our deepest needs for connection with God.Motives
5Chapter 3No fancy techniques needed. Prayer is a conversation - like talking to a friend. Kreeft encourages simple dialogue over rigid structure, rooted in sincerity and heart.Methods
6Chapter 4Dr. Kreeft reminds us that simple, heartfelt words are enough for prayer. Using familiar prayers teaches us how to speak with God - and opens a space for Him to speak back.Words
7Chapter 5Prayer begins by turning our attention to God. In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft offers three gentle steps: pause, become aware of His presence, and listen with a quiet heart.Steps
8Chapter 6Prayer often begins with thoughts, but it must move beyond them. In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft encourages us to let go of overthinking and focus instead on God Himself, not just ideas about Him.Thoughts
9Chapter 7Faith is what makes prayer possible. In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft reminds us that prayer isn't about feeling God, but trusting He is present. Even when we don't feel anything, faith keeps the conversation alive.Faith
10Chapter 8In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft outlines the main ways we pray: praising God, saying sorry, giving thanks, and asking for help. These simple themes shape our conversations with God and reflect the rhythm of a living relationship.Themes
11Chapter 9In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft calls the name "Jesus" the shortest, simplest, and most powerful prayer. Speaking His name with love or need is enough - it brings us into His presence and opens our hearts to God.Jesus
12Chapter 10In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft reminds us that prayer doesn't end when we leave our knees. When offered with love, our ordinary work becomes a prayer - uniting our daily tasks with God's presence and purpose.Work
13Chapter 11Distractions in prayer are normal and even expected. In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft reassures us that what matters is returning to God again and again - with patience, humility, and love.Distractions
14Chapter 12In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft identifies sin as a deeper obstacle to prayer - more than mere distractions. He teaches that repentance, confession, and faith invite God's mercy to heal our wounds and restore closeness to Him.Sins
15Chapter 13Prayer doesn't need to be complex. In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft urges us to approach God like a child - honest, direct, and uncluttered. The simpler our prayer, the closer it draws us to the heart of God.Simplicity
16Chapter 14In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft reminds us that to grow in prayer, we must let go of what holds us back - comfort, ego, distractions. Renunciation isn't about loss, but making room for God to fill us more deeply.Renunciation
17Chapter 15In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft shows how suffering can deepen our prayer. When offered to God, pain becomes a path to love - uniting us with Christ and opening our hearts to grace we might not find in comfort.Sufferings
18Chapter 16Prayer takes time. In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft encourages us to wait on God with trust, knowing that silence and delay are often part of His plan. Patience keeps us steady as grace slowly transforms the soul.Patience
19Chapter 17Prayer is always a response to grace. In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft reminds us that we don't initiate prayer - God does. Every desire to pray is already a gift, and grace carries us even when we feel weak or distracted.Grace
20Chapter 18In this chapter, Dr. Kreeft urges us to keep praying, even when it feels dry or difficult. True growth comes through steady faithfulness - returning to God again and again, trusting He is at work, even in silence.Perseverance