Prayer and Temperament

Monsignor Chester Michael is a Roman Catholic Priest, author, lecturer and workshop leader on the topics of spirituality and prayer, and holds a Doctor of Sacred Theology. Marie Norrisey is the editor of "The Open Door Quarterly." The two have collaborated to conduct research on the relationship between the various personality types (according to the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator) and various forms of prayer; this volume presents the results of this research in a way that is intended to be a practical aid for those desiring to improve their prayer life. The book is divided into three major parts: an introduction to both Myers-Briggs and the Michael-Norrisey prayer research; a presentation of four basic prayer types focusing on what personality type it appeals to and practical examples of such prayer; and finally appendices giving a more detailed description of the personality and spirituality type of the sixteen Myers-Briggs Personality Types. The authors do well in their recognition that spirituality is not "one size fits all" for the Christian; rather they recognize that because God has created every person to be unique in their personalities, interests, etc., the Church would benefit from the First Article study of how God created people differently, then use this knowledge to more effectively minister to the individual Christian. To this end, Michael and Norrisey have used the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator to research and develop various prayer activities, gather a group of Christians with varying Myers-Briggs personality types, have them engage in many different prayer activities, and ask them which they connected with most, least, etc. Using this information, they have presented four basic forms of prayer that touch on the many personality types, explain why it works for certain people, then give many examples of how to actually use this prayer type to pray. While at times, the technical terms are not fully explained (or they don't take care to remind the reader of certain terms), such is the nature of a complex book of this sort. Nevertheless, the authors would do well to "dumb it down a little" or more clearly define their intended reader and his background in theology/psychology/sociology. These authors probably assume more than is actually the case. Michael and Norrisey are strong in their understanding of personality types and do excellent work in the development and testing of prayer types, but they are weak in their theology of prayer. They describe the purpose of prayer as "where we make contact with the inner world of the spirit, where God dwells (92)," and "to establish a personal relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit...[and] to bring us to an experience of a union of love with the person of God (102)." These quotes indicate that the authors a) view spiritual development though prayer is something for which the Christian is primarily responsible (discounting the work of God), b) believe

If one considers that "prayer is a gift", then this book is the instruction manual on how to use this wonderful, blessed gift that God has bestowed to each of us! This book contains the ingredients for developing a rich, rewarding, and personal prayer-relationship with God. Beckoning the reader on a journey filled with discovery and enlightenment the book begins with a brief review of the history and the development of the theory of temperaments. The works and findings of Carl Jung, David Kiersey, Katherine Briggs, and Isabel Briggs are discussed relevant to personality temperaments and types. Departing from stereotypical and antiseptic views of personality types, the author weaves descriptions of Kiersey's four basic temperaments of human behavior with Christian spirituality and prayer. At the conclusion of the journey, the reader is equipped to begin a new journey; one of self-revelation, growth, and discovery, filled with wonder and respect for all whose various temperaments are woven into the canvas of our lives.

This book is very insightful , but not as fun a read as other books that merely help us to understand and appreciate temperament. Prayer and Temperament challenges us not only to accept ourselves and others, it challenges us to develop the areas that are less comfortable , to become less a caricature of our temperament and more fully human. I know several people who have found it particularly helpful for understanding and praying for family members, but it takes a more mature person to accept the challenge to die to self and to accept the fullness of life. I recommend not only reading it, but trying the suggestions for prayer.

Although geared toward Roman Catholics, Christians of all denominations can benefit from the book. In the back is even a short appendix to determine your own "Myers-Briggs" personality type. There is a lot of depth in this book. It would serve well as a fun "elective" book for a Bible study group -- everyone finds out their personality type, better understands what it means, and then better understands themselves spiritually in light of their type. The book also suggests what you can work on to develop yourself out of the constraints of your comfort zone. Worth buying.

Excellent description of the different Myers-Briggs Types. Excellent, easy to understand analysis of how different types relate differently to God.Also gives ideas of additional books for better understanding of the different types and their relationship to God.