Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving: Spiritual Practices That Draw Us Closer to God (Keys to the Bible) by Kevin Perrotta


Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving: Spiritual Practices That Draw Us Closer to God (Keys to the Bible)
Title : Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving: Spiritual Practices That Draw Us Closer to God (Keys to the Bible)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 133
Publication : First published January 1, 2012


Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are often called “spiritual disciplines.” The term highlights their similarity to physical disciplines. But like a physical fitness program, we can go through the motions of these practices without deriving much benefit from them. Jesus wants the spiritual disciplines to work for us. Only the Holy Spirit can make us holy, but we can spur the Spirit to help us. That is what almsgiving, prayer, and fasting are: ways of seeking the Holy Spirit’s help, ways of beginning to cooperate with his work in us.

In this Bible study, popular Scripture commentator Kevin Perrotta selects six readings from Scripture—one Old Testament and one New Testament text for each spiritual discipline. Each passage confront us with some of the most important aspects of these practices, showing us why we undertake them and how they can transform us so that we become more like the persons that God has created us to be.
• Perfect for Lent but can also be used at any time of year.
• “In the Spotlight” sections highlight background information on passages, words used in Scripture, and biblical history.

“This Bible study by Kevin Perrotta is an illuminating guide on how to carry out Jesus’ teachings on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in a very practical way. It will help readers discover the benefits of the spiritual disciplines: a gradual clearing of our minds and hearts and a greater awareness of our neighbor in need—and especially of God’s presence in us and the world.”
—Fr. Joseph Wimmer, OSA, associate professor of Sacred Scripture, Washington Theological Union, and author, Fasting in the New Testament

Kevin Perrotta has written about the Bible for many years and has served as editor of the popular Six Weeks with the Bible books. He has a masters’ degree in theology from the St. Paul School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minnesota, and teaches occasionally at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. Kevin and his wife, Louise, live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.


Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving: Spiritual Practices That Draw Us Closer to God (Keys to the Bible) Reviews


  • Ian Bordenave

    The introduction is the best, because it gives the reader the rationale for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

  • Kenneth

    I recommend this book if you want to explore the spirituality of Fasting. Christ told his disciples, "Some demons can only be cast out by prayer and fasting." Can you get closer to God and receive His graces by Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving? What will it do for your heart? What will it do for your Soul?

    In this day and age of gluttony, is fasting even practiced anymore? Will fasting provide any benefits, spiritual or physical, to a human's life? What part does Almsgiving play in your relationship with God?

    This is a wonderful book to read during the Lenten season though it is appropriate any time of the year.

    I truly enjoyed the book and found it a source of inspiration.

  • Courtney

    A nice book to prepare for Lent.