More and more Jews are seeking religious meaning in their lives¿in nature, in study groups, in community events and service projects ¿ anywhere¿as long as it¿s not in a synagogue. Making Prayer Real is a no-holds-barred look at why so many find synagogue sanctuary at best difficult, and at worst, meaningless and boring¿and how to make them more satisfying. Putting prayer before prayerbook, Making Prayer Real offers a new and different response to the challenges of Jewish prayer. Drawing from over thirty interviews with Jewish spiritual leaders from all denominations, as well as their ¿best prayer practices,¿ it entices and inspires the reader to become a ¿prayer person,¿ one who engages in prayer to play the heart-strings of the soul. Original essays from Jewish spiritual leaders address the efficacy of prayer: how prayer changes us and how to discern a response from God. Author Rabbi Mike Comins then guides the reader in cultivating their own personal prayer voice through innovative and traditional practices, relating prayer to the needs of conscious living: nurturing joy, increasing mindfulness, facilitating self-change, celebrating milestones, dealing with tragedy, and responding to loss.