When You Pray: A Practical Guide to an Orthodox Life of Prayer

Anyone who prays, or has tried to pray and given up in discouragement, knows praying—really praying—is not easy. Praying consistently seems almost impossible. Too often and too easily, prayer becomes a burden: one more item on an already overcrowded to-do list. Failing to pray becomes a source of guilt and stress as we must once again admit our inconstancy and procrastination to our father confessor. Yet, our Lord said, “Come to me, all of you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. My burden is easy and my yoke is light” (Matt. 11:30). The purpose of this book, then, is not to add to the burden, but to ease it by distilling the advice and experience of those who pray.

About the Author L. Joseph Letendre is the author of the popular guide Preparing for Confession. His writing has also appeared in Touchstone, The Reformation and Revival Journal, and St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly. He recorded the audiobook of St. Nicholai Velimirovic’s Prayers by the Lake for Ancient Faith Publishing. He holds degrees in psychology, philosophy, and education, as well as an MDiv from St. Vladimir’s Seminary. He is a parishioner at All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois.