"This book is wonderful. I love it. After the first two pages I was no longer reading it in view of giving an endorsement, but for my own good. Ralph Martin gives us a rich and clear description of progress through prayer in union with God, drawing on the wisdom of the saints. This practical manual for the Christian life, interesting and easy to read, should become a spiritual classic." — Father Robert Faricy, S.J. Author of numerous books and Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy "Ralph Martin in this book presents a thorough and excellent account of the entire spiritual life, from the first ascetical steps to the highest mystical union with God. Anyone — priest, religious, or member of the laity—looking for a complete blueprint of the spiritual journey will find it in this book." — Father Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D. Translator, editor, and commentator, The Collected Works of St John of the Cross and The Collected Works of St Teresa of Avila. "This is a book to keep at your place of prayer for years to come. Ralph Martin has given us the fruit of years of study of the spiritual life in the great Catholic tradition. It is a treasure chest of quotations of the greatest writers on the journey to God. Careful reading and rereading will be a source of powerful inspiration for all those on the spiritual journey." — Father Benedict J. Groeschel, C.E.R. Founder of the Friars of the Renewal, author of many books on the spiritual life.