Table of Contents
Introduction: Father Alexander Men and Prayer 5
Part 1 An Inner Step
Chapter 1 An Inner Step 13
Chapter 2 Prayer: Loving Response and Sacramental Encounter 20
Part 2 A Practical Guide to Prayer
Chapter 3 Introduction 37
Chapter 4 Prayer and the Prayer Book 40
Chapter 5 The Body and Prayer (Askesis) 46
Chapter 6 Difficulties in Prayer 55
Chapter 7 Prayerful Meditations 59
Chapter 8 Prayer in Everyday Life 64
Chapter 9 The Highest Stages of Prayer 68
Part 3 Prayer and Great Lent
Chapter 10 The Prayer of Saint Ephrem of Syria 77
Chapter 11 The Observance of Great Lent 81
Part 4 Prayer and the Communion of Saints
Chapter 12 The Saints and Prayer: Selected Sermons 93
Chapter 13 Father Alexander's Public Prayers 105
Chapter 14 Spiritual Guidance on Prayer: Selected Sermons & Lectures 115
Note from the Translator and Editor 123
Acknowledgments 127
Appendix A Exercises to Enhance Focused Prayer 129
Breathing 129
Combating Tension 131
Mental Control 141
Appendix B Selections from Handbook for the Orthodox Christian 147
Confession 148
Communion 150
Orthodox Fasts 151
Appendix C Examination of Conscience 155
Appendix D Orthodox Prayers 159
Notes 163
Glossary of Terms 175
Glossary of Important Figures 181
Recommended Reading 187