Books are rarely written for Christians ""proficient"" in spirituality--those who are neither beginners nor advanced in their lives of prayer. Finally back in print, Christian Proficiency is a valuable handbook to those laypersons that have reached that point in their development where they need guidance and direction to make further progress in their spiritual proficiency. Martin Thornton offers articulate insights on: Developing a discipline of spirituality, a rule of life as a framework for prayer Choosing a confessor The pitfalls of aridity, distraction, and the problem of being over-scrupulous The ""mechanics"" of prayer Essential terms in spirituality (see the Glossary in the back of the book) The crucial importance of spiritual direction Making retreats Martin Thornton (1915-1986) is author of English Spirituality, Spiritual Direction, and A Joyful Heart, all of which have helped shape the course of contemporary spiritual and pastoral thought.