" Listen with the ear of the heart ." This simple yet profound phrase from St Benedict is central to the message of Michael Whelan's Friendly Guide to Prayer. His aim is to open our hearts to the Presence: "H ere we are at the heart of prayer as it is understood within the Catholic Tradition. It is the way we will speak of prayer throughout this book - being present to the Presence. Our focus will therefore be primarily on attitudes and dispositions rather than specific acts and rituals. It is the prayerful person we are most interested in, rather than the person who says prayers, the prayerful life rather than the life that contains times of prayer. " In this process A Friendly Guide to Prayer is gentle guide and challenging coach, encouraging the reader to broaden and deepen their prayer life, offering support and providing opportunities for experience as well as knowledge. Each chapter contains sections 'For reflection' and 'For practice' to inspire readers to make best use of the material presented. The book explores the rich, varied and complex tradition of prayer within the Catholic Church and urges the reader to slow down and listen to the text on the page and the text of their own heart. In the tradition of the Friendly Guides series A Friendly Guide to Prayer is a beautifully presented book. Its restful tones and exquisite images marry perfectly with the moving text so eloquently presented by Michael Whelan. This is a book for everyone, for the novice, the student, the experienced, the expert. There is something here to touch everyone's heart.