Gratefulness, The Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness

In 'Gratefulness', author Steindl-Rast delves into topics - prayer, gratitude, awareness - that are simple and daily things for some but are esoteric concepts for others. Regardless of where you, as a reader, currently sit on this spectrum, the author's conclusions are likely to be pleasantly surprising. Steindl-Rast writes in a friendly, easy to follow manner, and gets his points across without lecturing or a sense of self-importance. This book is a real treat!

Brother David Steindl-Rice is a master of spiritual writing. I could stop there, but it would be the shortest review ever. This book is not just for religious. Br David takes one far beyond the basic levels of prayer and intercessions, taking the reader to the better realms of gratitude that teach a life to be lived in holistic fullness. While contemplation is not everyone's approach to God, this book enables an approach for people of any tradition. It is about the heart and mind and soul, alongside the realities of life - if there is any difference. I agree wholeheartedly with the dust jacket: enriching and enlightening. A must on the bookshelf of every religious/spirituality scholar - whatever your level.(Br Graham-Michael)

The book is literal prayer. In just the forward by Henri Nouwen's, you can spend an entire season of meditation.David Steindl-Rast has a gift of helping you to see gratitude in the mundane."If we knew how the whole universe worked, we would still be surprised that there was a universe at all."(quote from the book)Brother Steindl-Rast makes you long to see and believe. He makes the Gospel come alive and converts through his being.The best spiritual book in my 64 year pilgrimage.

Soothing and wonderful exhorations from the good Brother.

This book surprised me. Brother Steindl-Rast explained such basic terms such as faith, belief, gratefulness, and prayer in new ways that were clearly understandable to my heart and mind. Though I've searched for years to understand prayer, and have not prayed in years, this book explained the essence of prayer and gratefulness, and the differences between hope and hopes, and faith and belief, that have stuck with me as I continue on my spiritual journey. A very helpful book. I just lent it out to a friend, who told me "thanks" also, for the very reasons I mentioned above.

This was recommended in another spiritual discipline book on prayer. The author described it as a book assigned by Henri Nouwen in a Harvard University class. It is very readable, thought-provoking and has proven useful for a group study on prayer. I especially liked the idea that prayers are not necessarily prayerful when spoken, but become so during the day (or weeks) following the prayer.

Brother David Seindl-Rast is inspiring in his thinking and writes in a style that is easy to follow.

Excellent read. The mindfulness approach will change your life.

It's a good book and will surely be convinced about the importance of being grateful. It's an important key for a better life. Won't change the hardships from life that comes from time to time, but will help you with some extra tools of knowledge to such times. It's a book to have and read it a couple of times throughout the years.

I love is book. It is so filled with wisdom and love. This book is a great gift to bring us to more gratitude, love and prayer.

Brother David, precisely expresses Christianity in such simplicity and depth. I have purchased several copies to share the Good News with family and friends. As a firm believer, I find the author so cleverly goes to the "heart" of the matter and hence puts the practice of Christianity in the most effective manner....I feel he does a better job with the words than I have ever been able to do myself . I thank you, Bother David, with all my heart.

Have recommended this to many people. Simply a wonderful book, one of the best on spirituality I have ever read.

Excellent