In this fascinating book, Amy Welborn presents several different prayers and their background history. She also provides commentary on them and recommendations for how they can be used today. She uses quotes from various sources like Church Fathers, Church documents, and various saints, covering prayers including the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, Hail Mary, Credo (creed), the Morning Offering, Salve Regina, the Act of Contrition, the Jesus Prayer, Anima Christi, angel prayers, prayers of St. Francis, St. Patrick’s Breastplate, Memorare, suscipe, Veni Creator Spiritus, grace at meals, Liturgy of the Hours, Glory be, and the Amen. She provides endnotes which include Internet sites.

These “chapters” are informative and meditative. One can read the book for information’s sake, or one could read it slowly, say at the rate of a chapter a day. Welborn also explains why we say these prayers and how they can help us with our prayer lives. The last “chapters” she discusses where prayers go and using vocal prayers.

Amy Welborn has authored many books some which are: De-Coding Mary Magdalene: Truth, Legend, and Lies (2006), How to Celebrate Holy Week (2006), A Catholic Woman’s Book of Days (2005), Here. Now. A Catholic Guide to the Good Life (2005) (which was reviewed by this reviewer), and others.

The Words We Pray is recommended as a great gift for First Communion, Confirmation, for those entering the Church, and for those just interested in these traditional prayers.