The Prayer of Faith

the long version

This is one of the most accessible books on prayer I have ever read. Even now I have finished it I still don't know exactly why that is except perhaps the humility and holiness of the author. Certainly Fr. Boase writes in a very plain, simple, if somewhat old-fashioned language. But the fact he has kept his vocabulary basic lends a certain timeless quality to his writing which should enable this book to endure where others will quickly date themselves, thus rending them inaccessible. Also his manner or style of writing is relaxed and familiar, almost like he is sitting across the table talking to his audience explaining the subject. You can imagine a wise and kindly spiritual guide saying, “John of the Cross explained prayer this way and St. Teresa wrote about it slightly differently and while both were correct so far as it goes, communion with God is such a personal matter, your experience will be unique to you, so use the great doctors as your guides, but never forget Who is God and He is the One You seek, so His Holy Spirit will lead as He Wills etc., etc.” The book is meant for those who are beyond the initial stages of prayer and asking many questions about what is happening to them and in their relationship with God.