by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
This book has established itself as a modern spiritual classic for Orthodox as well as other Christians. It is written by an Orthodox Archbishop for people who have never prayed before and has been read and loved by persons at all levels of spiritual development.
About the Author: Anthony Bloom, the son of a Russian diplomat, became a physician, monk and archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church in Great Britain – earning the respect and affection of countless people worldwide because of his deep humanity and tireless witness to the Gospel. Although he died in 2003 at the age of 89, he continues to offer guidance in the spiritual life through his writings.
Reviews: from goodreads.

This is a good book for Christians to grow and have a better prayer life. Metropolitan Anthony emphasizes taking prayer beyond the point of being a chore or a duty or a wish list of things one wants from God, and taking it to the deeper level of building a relationship with Him. Overall, a good read for Christians desiring to take their prayers into a better, more profound direction!

Fantastic! It is when we realize that we are standing outside, in the realm of mercy, that we meet God through prayer. Anthony Bloom beautifully describes the inward progression to a deeper, richer relationship with God through prayer and stillness. This touched me on many levels and brought floods of memory and emotion back to the surface of times when God met me in the deepest trough of sorrow and bathed me in his mercy.

A challenging and insightful read from Metropolitan Anthony. Prayer is poorly understood because it is such a nebulous concept. I think each believer has a God-gifted, unique approach towards prayer but, much like the divine liturgy, good prayer is also based on precepts as it is a form of worship.

Although there wasn't a significant amount of information that was new to me in these pages, it is always good to be reminded about being attentive to God's presence with us, and to be intentional about slowing down. It was also timely to be reminded about being thankful- and taking some time to consider all the blessings that I can potentially take for granted in the day to day monotony of life.
I would highly recommend this short book to someone who wants to be more intentional about praying.
I would highly recommend this short book to someone who wants to be more intentional about praying.

This book has provided cause for me to review my other 5 star ratings as a new benchmark has been set. Whether it’s the season of my life or the kindness or the content or the practicality or the graciousness that he presents ideas and steps, it is what I’ve always wanted to find.
He describes how to start, how to evolve and how to have both space and grace to begin to begin to pray. He unwinds old notions and presents the groundwork from which I hope to grow. I am very grateful for this book.
He describes how to start, how to evolve and how to have both space and grace to begin to begin to pray. He unwinds old notions and presents the groundwork from which I hope to grow. I am very grateful for this book.