Introduction to the Spiritual Life, Brant Pitre
Introduction to the Spiritual Life, Brant Pitre
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Introduction to the Spiritual Life
Walking the Path of Prayer with Jesus

Author: Brant Pitre

Narrator: Mark Deakins

Unabridged: 7 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/02/2021

Synopsis

A compelling exploration of the biblical foundations, contemplative practices, and spiritual path of Jesus himself—from the bestselling 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.

About Brant Pitre

Brant Pitre is a professor of sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the bestselling author of Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of Exile and Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist. Brant is a highly sought-after speaker who lectures regularly across the United States. He has also produced dozens of Bible studies on CD and DVD. Brant currently lives in Louisiana with his wife, Elizabeth, and their five young children.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Julie on January 29, 2024

This is a simply excellent book. I thought that Brant Pitre was going to cover the various forms of prayer from easiest (vocal) to most difficult (contemplation and meditation). And there would be some great quotes from Church Fathers along the way. At the most basic, I was correct. However, there i......more

Goodreads review by Jeff on December 22, 2021

As a fan of all of Brant Pitre's books, his online efforts, and his work with others—I was intrigued that he had taken up this subject. I had wondered how he would provide an introduction to a topic so much has been written on. I was not surprised to find how well his knowledge of the Old Testament a......more

Goodreads review by T.J. on March 14, 2022

I'm someone who generally likes things to be laid out clearly and systematically, in addition to being told unambiguously what to do. Here, Brant Pitre, a favorite of mine, distills a sea of guidance from the Church on the Spiritual Life into a well-organized, well thought-out volume that fit the bi......more

Goodreads review by David on March 25, 2025

Easy to read, but with powerful concepts. One of the best entry-level books on the practicals of prayer and the spiritual disciplines that I've read. Pitre is a master at showing the connections between the old and new covenants, and why those connections matter for Christians now.......more

Goodreads review by Shane on July 18, 2024

2024 reads: 24 Rating: 4.5 stars You may have seen me raving about Brant Pitre’s more academic work, Jesus and the Last Supper. In this volume, however, Pitre has delivered a more personal and lay-level work focused on the spiritual life. Pitre's approach is particularly unique in that he surveys Jewis......more

Quotes

“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

“With clear and convincing explanations, this comprehensive guide roots the Christian spiritual life in Scripture. Pitre’s lucid writing teaches, inspires, and motivates us to pursue our call to holiness, with Jesus as our primary guide.”—Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP, author of The Prodigal You Love and Memento Mori

“Pitre’s little theological gem shines through his clear, accessible writing and wonderful depth of insight. This young scholar is already one of the great teachers of Scripture in our time.”—Bernhard Blankenhorn, professor aggregatus, University of Fribourg, Switzerland

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