opular When You Pray, L. Joseph Letendre explores the underpinnings of the Church's practice of fasting and of ascetic discipline in general. Rather than being preoccupied with the details of food regulations, he helps the reader understand the purpose of fasting and how to enter into it more willingly and fully.

The author goes beyond looking at fasting as merely the abstinence from food. The book includes chapters on denying yourself, talking less, cultivating silence, and exorcising your mind.

L. Joseph Letendre holds degrees in psychology, philosophy, and education, as well as an MDiv from St. Vladimir's Seminary. He is a parishioner at All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago, IL.