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  • Introduction to the Spiritual Life

  • Walking the Path of Prayer with Jesus
  • By: Brant Pitre
  • Narrated by: Mark Deakins
  • Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (19 ratings)

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Introduction to the Spiritual Life

By: Brant Pitre
Narrated by: Mark Deakins
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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.

©2021 Brant Pitre (P)2021 Random House Audio
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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

What listeners say about Introduction to the Spiritual Life

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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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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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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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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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Outstanding

A very well structured, clear and comprehensible text. A great introduction with lots of useful references to other spiritual writers and the Bible, a book worth reflecting upon and returning to again and again.

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