There is a basic sameness in the way that Christians, over the last two thousand years, have raised their hearts and minds to God. And yet there are dissimilarities, too. The manners and methods of prayer have changed in different eras because people have changed, their attitudes and sensibilities have changed, their language, social fabric, and self-understanding have changed.

In this concise, fascinating book, Joseph Jungmann reviews the way that Christian habits of prayer have evolved from apostolic times to the post-Tridentine era. It is a narrative that links Christian faith and Christian culture in a rich and meaningful way....