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Introduction to the Spiritual Life
- Walking the Path of Prayer with Jesus
- Narrated by: Mark Deakins
- Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
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Introduction to the Spiritual Life
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Summary
A compelling exploration of the biblical foundations, contemplative practices, and spiritual path of Jesus himself - from the best-selling author of The Case for Jesus
“What happens when a biblical theologian explores classic spirituality? This book. Pitre’s students have asked, Why have we never heard this before? The reader wonders the same.” (Dr. David Fagerberg, author of Liturgical Mysticism)
The path of following Jesus is an ancient and storied spiritual tradition. Yet many believers are not familiar with the three major forms of prayer and the three stages of spiritual growth that exist to bring them closer to God.
In his most personal book yet, Brant Pitre, PhD, draws on the riches of the Bible, the words of Jesus, and the writings of mystics across the centuries to shed light on the mystery - and wonder - of the spiritual life.
Starting with the age-old belief that the path of prayer is not only informative but transformative, Dr. Pitre explores:
- The scriptural roots of the major forms of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation
- The purgative, illuminative, and unitive stages of spiritual growth
- The spiritual exercises of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
- The Jewish roots of the Lord’s Prayer
- Lectio Divina: how to pray with the Bible
- Seven vices and their seven opposing virtues
- The battle of prayer: how to deal with difficulty and distractions
- The “dark night of the soul” in the Scriptures
Full of sacred truths, contemplative insights, and practical steps, Introduction to the Spiritual Life is a biblical road map of the spiritual landscape that enables us to follow Jesus as our primary guide.
Critic reviews
“Dr. Brant Pitre offers his readers a ‘biblical road map of the spiritual life’ [from the introduction] in his trademark approach, exploring the Jewish roots of Jesus’ teaching on the spiritual life and wedding to this the classic writings of the saints. His style is accessible to readers and his content likewise approachable for all. Both the topics covered and the constant reference to Scripture render this book fresh and inviting. Read it, and you will find your spiritual life renewed.”—Fr. Timothy Gallagher, author of The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living
“Pitre offers deep and inspiring insights into the realities of the spirituality of Christian discipleship. Anyone, lay or ordained, seeking to live Christian spirituality more fully will profit from a prayerful reading of this book.”—Alfred C. Hughes, Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans
“A broadly accessible, highly practical invitation to life with Christ modeled by the spiritual giants of Church history and rooted in Scripture, this book calls the Church to a deeper communion with God, punctuated by habits of prayer, meditation on Scripture, contemplation, fasting, and almsgiving, to ultimately bear the fruit of humility, mercy, and diligence. . . . Deeply transformative, convicting, and compelling.”—Catherine Wright, associate professor of biblical and theological studies at Bethel University and author of Spiritual Practices of Jesus
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What listeners say about Introduction to the Spiritual Life
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- M S
- 21-06-23
Very insightful and convicting
Dr. Brant Pitre wrote a concise and thorough introduction to the spiritual life. Using the seven vices and virtues as a guide he gives great insights and provides the reader with tools to grow in faith. Everything is deeply rooted in scripture and explained using the rich wisdom of different spiritual minds such as Thomas a Kempis, Ignatius of Loyola or Teresa of Avila.
I’ve learned a lot and look forward to deepen my study going forward by reading the works Dr Pitre has cited. I also will get a physical copy of this book as I want to read it again and ponder on a lot of points he had raised.
The narrator did an amazing job as well. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
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- Mary
- 12-03-23
Brilliant intro to the 'how' of spiritual life!
Good for seekers, beginners, those who are alone without spiritual guides. Well written and executed reading! Easy to listen too not too many technical terms good for those who can only listen to a little at a time.Highly recommended for working people, listening to in the car or whilst busy with chores....
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- Jade
- 28-02-23
Essential for those stuck in the drudgery of trying to remember to pray daily
Really excellent book, each point is well explained and backed up with Bible verses. Pitre explains each point in enough detail to really educate people but not so much detail that the book is extremely long. I really can’t fault this book at all
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- Amazon Customer
- 08-11-22
Inspirational
A great insight into the Faith
Well read, easy to follow & comprehend
Normally I return upon completion- this is one I will meditate on again
Thank You for a great book Dr Pirte
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- Amazon Customer
- 20-12-21
I thirst…
..For a sequel! I know this book was just scratching the surface. Another excellent volume from Dr Pitre! Amazing insights about the seven deadly sins and their opposing virtues and great commentary as always on the holy scriptures. Highly recommended to Catholics and Protestants alike
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7 people found this helpful
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- Steven Vallero
- 18-02-22
Great Book for Spiritual Growth
This is a great book of truth, and if put into practice, serious fruit will be abundant.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Jorge Magallon
- 06-01-22
Who Knew Prayer Could be an Adventure?
I am a believer, but have usually given up on solitary, daily prayer because I felt like I was not progressing in it. This book and the lecture series it is based on has given me clearer direction in prayer. I can’t fully express how transformative this has been for me.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Peter McFadden
- 26-12-21
Brant Pitre is the best!!!
Love this book! Helped clarify some questions I’ve had about the spiritual life. I see a clearer path before me now. Thanks Brant!!!
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3 people found this helpful
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- Marc Case
- 06-02-23
A Coming to Jesus moment!
I thought I was walking on the path to Holiness. After completing this book,"I wept in my bed, I water my couch with my tears." Psalms 6:6. I now know I have done nothing. Praise be to God for leading me to this book!!! I am, just now, standing up to step on to the path.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 08-01-22
great
Fantastic, enjoyable, clear illustrations . It has opened my heart to the purpose of prayer.
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- Rene
- 15-06-23
Enjoyable
I appreciated the biblical cross references. The book made me reflect on my spiritual development.
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- kevin
- 08-06-23
So Helpful!
This book acts as a review and reminder of how God works in a soul. I really appreciated how it constantly encourages prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in order to help us overcome ourselves and temptations and seek unity with God. I will probably read this book again.
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- Peter
- 28-04-23
Very good guide to start a spiritual journey
well written. Good scriptural parallels from, old testament, new testament and saints. Good for everyone but especially for people who are starting the journey.
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- Kindle Customer
- 18-03-23
Well worth the time to read
Great book with lots to consider! Strongly recommend this book for anyone trying to “pray as we ought.”
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