Part of the new Engaging Catholicism series from Ave Maria Press. This 10-chapter book introduces many different ways to pray: with Scripture, through devotions, with the Church in the liturgy, using the Examen, and more. Each chapter answers these four questions:

What is this form of prayer?
Why might a person pray this way?
When and where can one practice this form of prayer?
How does one pray this way in practice?

Carolyn Pirtle has done a great service to the praying Church with her latest book, Ten Ways to Pray. In a very accessible way, she unpacks the many splendid and varied ways that Catholic Christians have engaged in liturgical and devotional prayer throughout time. She not only gives a historical context but also offers practical advise to help the reader enter more fully into the experience of prayer and ultimately deepen their relationship with Christ. Anyone interested in broadening their prayer life need not look further than Ten Ways to Pray.

This is an excellent resource, I feel for those who are Catholic. To a non-Catholic, it may be very confusing. It was somewhat challenging to read at times because of the amount of detail and depth that is included, however that can be a huge plus for the right audience. It is not a book to be read at only one sitting but one that needs to be read, pondered, and then applied or practiced. The similar format of each chapter makes it easy to follow because you know what to expect.

This work is not only an exceedingly practical handbook but a beautifully written invitation whose warm style encourages even the most timid seeker to a richer life through prayer. Part primer, Pirtle draws on the Church’s Tradition and Scripture to introduce fundamental ways of praying while coupling those references with relatable experiences, rendering both the praxis and the attainability of its spiritual fruits accessible concepts to all the faithful, not just to those with a theological background or to those who are farther along in their formation.

Particularly striking is Pirtle’s intentional illustration of liturgical prayer as the root of all personal prayer. She demonstrates how, flowing from liturgical prayer, personal prayer can blossom into true encounters with God, who loves us and plants in our hearts the desire to know him as he desires for us to rest in him. Through the when, where, and how of each type of prayer, she gently but pointedly guides the reader to understand how all ways of praying require a certain kind of discipline and a giving over of oneself to God’s action—just as the liturgy itself requires.

This book warms the reader in its affection for prayer, which comes from its evident affection for the Lord. It works across the spectrum of comfort and familiarity with prayer. I heartily recommend it as a gentle but meaningful nudge for those who are tentatively dipping their toes in the water and to those for whom prayer is already an established part of daily living.

Carolyn Pirtle is a phenomenally gifted writer. She possesses the unique ability to weave creative thought and expression, theological and spiritual depth and soul shaping practices together into a beautiful and helpful tapestry of Grace and Peace. It is without a doubt one of the very best books on Christian spiritual formation available today! As a bonus, it translates well for use in many Christian denominations.

Beautiful book on prayer! Amazing resource for personal use and for leaders in pastoral ministry. Our parish will be focusing on prayer this year, as we are hoping to creatively deepen the prayer life of those in our community.
Ten Ways to Pray will be an invaluable resource for this initiative!

Katie Jenkins
Archdiocese of Baltimore
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Odenton
Director of Music

Every year I make New Year's and/or Lenten resolutions to improve my prayer life. In keeping with those resolution, I often obtain a book, and many of them languish on my bookshelf or NetGalley queue because I'm going to get to them when I have time to read them or whatever the excuse of the week is. Since Ten Ways to Pray was a NetGalley offering in January, I grabbed it.

It really is one of those "no excuses" books. The writing style is conversational and easy to read. The book is broken into chapters for each type of prayer. Each chapter begins with "What is this form of prayer", a section that describes the form. Next is "Why might a person pray this way?" that gives you an idea of whether this form of prayer might be for you. "When and where can one practice this form of prayer" is pretty self-explanatory, but it addresses real issues people have in their lives--you aren't going to be able to spend 30 minutes in contemplation if you are the only adult in charge of three small children who are awake. The next section in each chapter is "How does one pray this way in practice" which gives concrete ideas for doing this type of prayer. For example, the section on praying with Scripture gives the five steps for lectio divina.

While the book has an extensive bibliography to allow readers to more fully explore topics of interest, this book is only 192 pages and is a quick easy read. Since the Bible is my book for the year (see Do You Prefer Your Bible Fast or Slow) I'm going to focus on the section on praying with Scripture.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. Grade: B+

Thank you, NetGalley, Ave Maria Press, and Carolyn Pirtle, for an advanced copy of Ten Ways to Pray: A Catholic Guide for Drawing Closer to God in exchange for an honest review.


Prayer has always been an interest of mine, primarily because I’ve often struggled with 1. Am I doing this correctly? 2. Why do my prayers often feel dry and rehearsed? This book proved to offer some much needed and appreciated insight. I also believe non-Catholics will relate to the many ways that we can reach out to and connect with God.


Carolyn Pirtle organized the book beginning with an introduction to Christian prayer and suggestions for using her book. Following her thorough introduction, she dedicates one chapter to a method of praying. She skillfully defines the method of prayer, offers insight on why you might choose to use this form of prayer, when and where to practice it, and how to pray using that form of prayer. Her tone throughout is very warm and encouraging, which is important to those easily intimidated by prayer. I think anyone open to experiencing these different methods of prayer will find their prayer life enriched and perhaps even look at prayer through a different, more accessible lens. One of my favorite prayer methods covered is to pray through action- let your daily activities of serving and helping others be your prayer; how beautiful!


I am confident that anyone interested in deepening their prayer life will find this book to be a valuable resource to draw closer to God by bringing more depth and breadth to your prayer life.

This book is an outstanding guide to understanding prayer. Although firmly grounded in orthodox Catholic practice and catechesis, it's like Chesterton's Orthodoxy and Lewis's Mere Christianity in that it focuses on our commonalities as Christians.

Instead of making me feel forced into specific practices, I loved that it explained them and had plenty of practical tips for incorporating prayer into your daily life.

Whether you are a newcomer to the spiritual journey or a seasoned traveler, chances are you have searched for alternative ways to get in touch with the Almighty. Ten Ways to Pray: A Catholic Guide for Drawing Closer to God is a trusty guidebook to take along with you on your spiritual quest.

Author Carolyn Pirtle does a masterful job of compiling ways to enhance your relationship with your Creator. She deftly explains the significance of well-known methods such as liturgical prayer and sacred Scripture, while also exploring innovative means such as "praying through beauty" and "praying with the body."

I found the case Pirtle makes to be quite compelling and feel as if I am now looking at prayer through new eyes as a result of her tutelage.

Chances are that by reading and meditating on this work, you will grow in your appreciation and love for God and neighbor. This is a book that you can turn to again and again to strengthen your relationship with the One Who loves you best!