Introduction to the Devout Life

Introduction to the Devout Life is a book written by Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva and a saint in the Catholic Church. it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition. The work is also used as a guide in Christian spiritual direction. The "Introduction" is composed of five parts or "books", each pertaining to a stage in the Christian's spiritual journey. Part I: Attaining a Firm Resolution to the Devout Life Part II: Prayer and the Sacraments Part III: The Practice of Virtue (patience, meekness, humility, obedience, chastity, and poverty) Part IV: Some Ordinary Temptations and how to overcome them Part V: Renewing and Confirming the Soul in Devotion