Need a book recommendation - How to Pray

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Does anyone have any recommendations on Catholic books on how to pray?

I’m not looking for a book with prayers, rather a good book that teaches one how to pray without distraction, how to speak to God, how to incorporate prayer into our daily lives, etc.

I’m caught in a rut where my prayers seem forced and my mind constantly clouded and wavering in other directions while I try to pray. I don’t like just reading prayers as that doesn’t seem like it would cultivate a good relationship with God. I could be wrong.

I just want to learn better how to speak to God.

Thanks in advance.
 
(I say Our Fathers back to back or at least remind myself to re-start!

Some mornings I have woken up finding myself saying them.

Once when I stopped for a period, my life got bad for some years.

I punctuate with simple intercessions for people or, if tongue tied, visualise them while doing aforementioned.

Sometimes I throw in some Glory Be’s etc.

I think of Jesus’ role in my life story and those of the people around me.)

Simple Prayer Book. Daily Office (used latter on and off in past).
 
Does anyone have any recommendations on Catholic books on how to pray?
Start with the shorter version of the 4 volume Liturgy of the Hours (the Divine Office said by devout Catholics, priests, nuns, and monks daily). It’s called “Christian Prayer”, and you can find a copy on Amazon.

Get a good Roman Missal as well, in either the new Mass, or the the traditional Latin Mass. My favorite Missal is the St. Andrew’s Missal, which is a treasure of commentary on the Latin Mass. If you can’t make it to church, you can at least read the liturgy and readings for the day.

Lastly, the Rosary. There are plenty of good books on the Rosary and how to pray it properly. Find a good Catholic bookstore online (there are several).

If you want to improve your prayer life, I would also recommend you read about the contemplative order, the Carthusians. There is a wonderful movie called, “Into Great Silence”, that describes their prayer life. They are truly the “prayer warriors” of the Church.

One more - the Benedictine Monastic Diurnale. You can pick up a copy for about $60. It is the Benedictine version of the Monastic Office, less Matins. Benedictine monks would use this book, and it is wonderful.
 
I have a pamphlet by St. Alphonsus, but I think it is titled “How to Converse with God.” Not sure if it is the same as the above.
 
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