PRAYER IN CATHOLIC LIFE

Father Lovasik's obvious aim in writing Prayer In Catholic Life was to provide the laity with a very basic and practical book on prayer. His subject matter ranges from the ""first grade"" Catechism definition that ""Prayer is a lifting up of the mind and heart to God"" through explanations of the necessity for prayer, various kinds of prayer, special qualities and benefits of prayer and the obstacles and difficulties often encountered by those trying to achieve a more fruitful prayer life. His exposition on mental prayer is well done, and could prove helpful to readers who consider this particular prayer form too difficult for them. Indeed, Father Lovasik's purpose is entirely laudable, but why must he limit the value and appeal of his book by interspersing it constantly with trite, contrived and flowery stories to illustrate his points? These for the most part are unnecessary, and perceptive readers will object to having the important material here ""watered-down"" by such inanities. On the other hand, readers who relish a mixture of sentimentality and religion will find this book to their taste.