Product Description

Prayer is an integral aspect of the love of God and neighbor, which to many is the ultimate goal of a fulfilling Christian life. However, many want to find a way to pray but are unable to understand or justify prayer theologically. Still others believe that God will not support them in the midst of cosmic hurt. This book addresses these concerns.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #347924 in Books
• Published on: 1991-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

From Library Journal
Bondi offers a beautifully simple and profound account of prayer as the desert fathers saw it: integrally connected to love of God and neighbor, but also leading to introspection which facilitates spiritual growth. She begins with the teaching of the desert fathers about St. Paul's injunction "pray without ceasing," and discusses monastic prayer and life. Next she discusses how prayer can help develop the image of God within the individual. Bondi then addresses current concerns about prayer, how to approach it, the need for self-development, and the need for deeper human relationship through prayer. She concludes by discussing the desire for God as fostered and fulfilled through prayer by God's grace. Recommended for seminary and public libraries.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

A WONDERFUL INSIGHT ON PRAYER AND PRAYING!!!
To Pray and To Love gave me an education on the early church and how prayer was percieved by the Abbas and Ammas. How simple it can be. Only it's not simple. "Prayer is a gift from God. All we do is receive the gift." Easier said than done. Ms. Bondi's knowledge of the monastic life was an eye opener. Especially about the role of women in the early church. I had never heard or read about Ammas. It was wonderful to know women did have a part in early church development. I agree with her, it's a shame most of the records of monastries founded by these Ammas have been lost.

I learned from this book that I was praying more than I realized and God hears every prayer short or long. Even those "God help me get through this moment" prayers.

This book was loaned to me by my minister. I'm getting my own copy. I feel the need to read this book again and again.

Prayer as an Instrument of Love
This was an excellent book on the power of prayer and its importance in the pursuit of love for God and neighbor. Bondi takes the reader on a journey through prayer in the early church and monastic orders to give the modern Christian a sense of how prayer can be used in the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God and neighbor. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of prayer in their life and in the life of their faith community.

A fine book about prayer and relationship with God
It is reassuring to read that if we do not gain a sense of peace after praying, it does not necessarily mean we are not in touch with ourselves and God. Bondi helped me to realize my life with God is ongoing and that my prayer, whether it feels good or bad, is going to change depending on what is going on in my life at the time. More often than not, "it is not in the easy times of our prayer that we grow toward God the most but in the times of chaos, confusion, pain, or even boredom." (p.73)