Introduction to the Spiritual Life

Walking the Path of Prayer with Jesus

By: Brant Pitre

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

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.

©2021 Brant Pitre (P)2021 Random House Audio

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

Deep, RichSpirit Filled

A great book on the foundations of prayer and growth in the spiritual life. He puts together the wisdom of the great masters of Christian prayer, with practical guidance on how to pray. He is a solid Catholic theologian.

Read Before undertaking any Spiritual Devotion

I began this book at the midpoint of my 33 day Consecration To Mary. The biblical, scriptural and inputs from Father's of the faith, ancient, medieval and modern was truly a blessing. So well presented and documented.

Interesting and well read

Interesting, well researched and well read, like all of the other books by Brant Pitre.

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!!!

Great Book for Spiritual Growth

This is a great book of truth, and if put into practice, serious fruit will be abundant.

So helpful!

This book was excellent for understanding so many aspects of the spiritual life! Highly recommend!

Another classic Brant Pitre book

Brant allows the depth and multiple dimensions of the Bible to come into focus. Get ready to see and learn about the Bible in a way that was always right in front of you.

Well worth the time to read

Great book with lots to consider! Strongly recommend this book for anyone trying to “pray as we ought.”

Everything

Dr Pitre is an excellent Catholic theologian. I hope many more of his books will become available as audiobooks.

Fantastic!

Brant Pitre is amazing! He brings forth from the Old Testament light that helps illuminate the New. He also writes clearly. This book gives great practical insight into how to grow in the Spiritual Life. (Cracks me up how often he says, “Finally, and this is important…”) I recommend this book to everyone.