I've absorbed a lot of teaching about prayer over the years, but my confidence in prayer is sadly shallow. I mean, not confidence that God hears, but in my confidence of how to pray, how to talk about it or teach it, or how to feel comfortable praying and that I am doing it in a good way. It's kind of amazing really, that I have all these doubts about it after all these years. I bet a lot of Christians do too, and maybe they are too timid or, more likely, don't know anyone who could honestly answer their questions and guide them, someone who they would like to emulate.

James Martin makes prayer sound so approachable, interesting and delightful. I really believe this book fulfills its promise to teach anyone to pray. JM goes over different prayer styles and traditions, and talks about some of the pros and cons people find with them. I'm sure you can find at least one style of prayer that is appealing and that feels freeing rather than droll and burdensome.

JM also talks about problems people have with prayer, setting appropriate expectations, and questions to ask to help you discern if you "heard" God speaking or if you are just hearing yourself think. This kind of guidance is truly priceless.