The Many Faces of Prayer

Rev. Dr. Thomas Shepherd takes readers through a cross-cultural study of prayer in world religions. Prayers can be so varied—from spoken confessions to silent reflections—you may wonder if your method is correct, or if you’re talking to the right source. Release these thoughts as you engage in Shepherd’s thoughtful learning exercises. Inside this book is the prayer practice that’s right for you.

Praying to God -- but which one? In his cross-cultural study of world religions, Rev. Dr. Thomas Shepherd uncovered two common themes: the need to make sense of life and the need to live it successfully. This dual quest flows through all cultures and unites us all, not by the answers, but by the questions. Central to the human spiritual journey is prayer. From spoken confessions to symbolic rituals and silent meditation, prayer takes many forms. You may have questioned whether your method is correct, or if you're talking to the right source. With logic and heart, dispel these thoughts as you engage in Shepherd's rich content and insightful learning exercises. Inside this multicultural study is the practice that's right for you.

Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Shepherd is an ordained Unity minister and retired U.S. Army Chaplain who teaches Historical and Theological Studies at Unity Institute and Seminary, Unity Village, Missouri. Although best known for his popular Q&A column "That's a Good Question" in Unity Magazine, "Dr. Tom" (as students call him) has authored several books, including Jesus 2.1: An Upgrade for the 21st Century, Glimpses of Truth, Good Questions, and Friends in High Places. Shepherd served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army as a medical evacuation helicopter pilot, where he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After Vietnam he left the Army, graduated college and seminary, and returned to duty as a military chaplain, completing 20 years' active service in 1988. Shepherd holds a B.S. Ed. from the University of Idaho, Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. Dr. Shepherd speaks conversational German, Japanese, and Spanish, and has studied the Greek, Latin, and Vietnamese languages. In addition to Unity, Dr. Tom holds ministerial credentials with the Unitarian Universalist Association and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, and worked as Assistant Executive director/Theologian in Residence for the Universal Foundation for Better Living. He served Unity Churches in Georgia, South Carolina, and California before accepting a post on the faculty of Unity Institute in 2005. Dr. Tom received the 2011 Charles Fillmore Award from Unity Worldwide Ministries.