Includes bibliographical references.

Everyone can pray : an introduction -- Walking to school : childhood prayer -- Why pray? : some common reasons -- Praying without knowing it : nine types of prayer you may be unaware of -- What is prayer? : a few definitions and insights -- Beginning a friendship with God : Father Barry's insight -- Everyone needs help : petitionary prayer -- Now I lay me down to sleep : rote and other formal prayers -- I am here : the daily examen -- What happens when you pray? : emotions, insights, memories, desires, images, words, feelings, and mystical experiences -- How do I know it's God? : discerning God's voice -- The gift of imagination : Ignatian contemplation -- Playing with sacred texts : lectio divina -- Finding God at the center : centering prayer -- Discovering god in creation : nature prayer -- Talking about prayer : spiritual direction, retreats, faith sharing, and journaling -- Topics in prayer : distractions, dryness, expectations, and the overall ups and downs of the spiritual life -- Now what? : moving from prayer to action.