Description: Intelligent Christians not only lead lives of prayer, but also require an understanding of prayer. Too often we are told how to pray, but not why we pray. Too often we are asked to recite our creeds, but not to explore how they express our faith. This first American edition of Thornton's classic work provides inquisitive Christians with a map for an informed life of prayer. Drawing on the work of Macquarrie and Buber, Thornton illuminates the nature of the Trinity as the ground of our existence, and the eucharist as our ultimate form of prayer. Endorsements: "It is written in a spirit of theological wisdom which will endure for generations . . . His gift to us in all his writings . . . is a lasting one. He replaced 'last-ditch apologetic' with 'exciting and practical Christian adventure.' "This is a handbook for adventurers." Alan Jones from the Foreword "This is, without question, the most valuable of all Fr. Thornton's writings." A. M. Allchin The Church Times "Thornton has always had a very personal voice, one that has meant much to Anglicans and others who are patient with spiritual counsel from the ages." The Christian Century About the Contributor(s): Martin Thornton has been a leading light in Anglican Theology and spirituality for the past forty years. His numerous books, including English Spirituality, Spiritual Direction, and A Joyful Heart have helped to shape the course of contemporary religious thought. Before his death in June, 1986, Thornton had served for ten years as Chancellor of Truro Cathedral.