Unlocking the Power of Prayer

 A new booklet by St. Margaret’s rector,

The Rev. Richard M. Weinberg

‘A gentle companion for anyone who is trying — or maybe trying again — to develop a personal prayer practice’

Purchase the book:

eBook for $4.99
Available at Barnes & Noble and other online retailers

Print book for $9.99
Buy now

“In this beautifully written guide to prayer, Richard Weinberg offers practical wisdom, compassion, and clarity to anyone seeking to begin — or revisit — a personal prayer practice. Drawing from the richness of Ignatian spirituality, he invites readers into centuries-old traditions that foster an intimate and transformative relationship with God.”

The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington
About the book

Prayer is not a performance. Neither is it a spiritual chore to check off. Prayer is about tending to our relationship with God. It’s how we show up to the One who is already showing up for us. And yet for many of us, prayer feels difficult or even impossible.

Something sacred happens when we stop hiding and simply say to God:

Here. This is what I’ve got. I need your help.

That’s what this booklet is about.

This resource is a gentle companion for anyone who is trying — or maybe trying again — to develop a personal prayer practice. It was written with the author’s Episcopal parish community in mind, but it may offer something meaningful to any reader who hungers for a more honest and grounded way of praying. Whether prayer is new to you or has been part of your life for decades, you’ll find something here that meets you where you are.

You’ll find simple guides to ancient practices that have sustained generations of Christians — especially those shaped by the wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola, the 16th century Spanish saint and founder of the Society of Jesus (whose members are called Jesuits):

  • A brief reflection on what prayer is
  • Practical encouragement for getting started
  • Tools like the Daily Examen and scripture contemplation
  • And above all, an invitation to be with God — just as you are
About the author

Richard M. Weinberg is an Episcopal priest and rector of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. Formerly director of communications at Washington National Cathedral, he brings a background in nonprofit leadership, theology, and the arts to his ministry. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Fordham University. Richard draws deeply from Ignatian spirituality in his pastoral work and lives in D.C. with his partner and their two sons.

“As I've provided pastoral care to people over the years and helped them with issues they have, one of the first things I've always asked them is, 'Do you have a way you can pray about this?' — and many of them have responded that they don't know how to begin. So writing this booklet became a way that I could more easily share in one place all the primary resources I would want someone to have so they can begin to pray on their own.”

The Rev. Richard M. Weinberg, author

Request a Free Digital Booklet!

Physical copies are in production — for a limited time sign up below for your free digital PDF copy now, and we'll let you know the moment print and e-book editions are ready to order.

This copy is a gift for your own personal use and reflection. We ask that you not repost or forward the file itself. If someone else would like a copy, please just send them to this page.