Father James Martin wins 4th Christopher Award for "Learning to Pray"

New York City NY

03 May, 2022

8:58 AM

Description

New York City-based author Father James Martin was honored with his fourth Christopher Award for Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone (HarperOne/Harper Collins). It is one of 12 books for adults and young people recognized as the #ChristopherAwards mark their 73rd year. The authors join writers, producers and directors of 10 winning TV/cable and feature films. The Jesuit priest's books have been translated into 22 languages and sold in 25+ countries. In this one, Father Martin expanded a chapter on communicating with God from a previous book, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything. A profound and practical handbook, Learning to Pray explains what prayer is, what to expect from praying, how to do it, and how it can transform us when we make it a regular practice. He lays out the styles and traditions of prayer throughout Christian history and invites readers to experiment and discover which works best to feed a soul and build intimacy with our Creator. Father Martin writes there is not one secret formula for praying. But like any relationship, each person can discover the best style for building an intimate relationship with God, regardless of religion or denomination. Prayer is open and accessible to anyone willing to open their heart. Rev. James Martin, SJ, is editor at large of America magazine, consultor to the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, and author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestsellers and Christopher Award winners that, in addition to The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, are Jesus: A Pilgrimage, and My Life with the Saints, which Publishers Weekly named one of the best books of 2006. Father Martin is a frequent commentator in the national and international media, having appeared on all the major networks, and in such diverse outlets as Late Night with Stephen Colbert, NPR's Fresh Air, the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Before entering the Jesuits in 1988 he graduated from the Wharton School of Business. The celebrated authors, illustrators, writers, producers, and directors, whose works exemplify this Chinese proverb "It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness," also "affirm the highest values of the human spirit," said Tony Rossi, The Christophers' Director of Communications. "After the hardships and suffering we've witnessed and endured in the last two years, we need stories of hope, light, and unity to lift our spirits and guide us toward a brighter path," he said. The Christophers, a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—"It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness"— guides its publishing, radio, and awards programs. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.