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