John-Francis shares his insights with great care and beauty. What emerges in this book is the distilled wisdom of long experience as a priest, pastor and spiritual director. I commend it wholeheartedly. -- Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark John-Francis Friendship's wise, engaging and emotionally intelligent book is a timely reminder that prayer lies at the heart of the priestly life, and from that all else flows. -- Jane Shaw, Dean for Religious Life and Professor of Religious Studies, Stanford University John-Francis Friendship's deep thinking and reflection in these pages will help those who
seek to journey and grow in their relationship with God. -- Ric Thorpe, Bishop of Islington This is a very welcome and insightful book bringing John-Francis' depth of wisdom and experience for those preparing for and in their early years of ordained ministry. I was personally delighted and challenged by his insights after many years of ordained ministry. -- Neil Evans, Director of Ministry and DDO, Diocese of London Fr John-Francis has given us a gift as he speaks from the heart and with gentle wisdom about the joys and challenges facing those who consecrate their lives to Jesus as his priests. -- Bishop Lindsay Urwin OGS So often the pressures of priestly ministry collide with the wellsprings of prayer that must sustain a priest. Steeped in tradition and in contemporary understanding alike, Fr John-Francis offers practical guidance and profound encouragement. -- The Revd Professor James M. Weiss, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts This is a book for every Christian called, in John-Francis's words, to 'live out their Baptismal promises; to deepen the conversion of their heart to Christ'. It reflects hard won and faithful experience and offers itself as a valuable companion to all who choose to walk that narrow and blessed way. -- Dr Meg Warner