A Review
Prayers are difficult. Well, they feel difficult. Sometimes it is good to have a collection of prayers that have server believers in earlier times to begin with - whether as sermon illustrations, for use as encouragement for others, or just for personal meditation. This book can meet those needs.
The reader will find prayers dating from the middle of the 2nd century (Origen) to the end of the 20th century (Michel Quoist). Some are well known (John Newton), others less so (Ashton Oxenden); but each is a look at the heart of the author and his or her relationship to God.
The provided prayers are not long. Grouped into 57 different topics (e.g. Forgiveness, Grace, Rest, Stress, Vision, etc.), there are normally five or more prayers for each topic:
O Lord our God, safe under the shadow of your wings, let us hope.
You will support us both when we are little and when we are old.
When our strength is from you it is real strength,
Leaning upon you we can find our way back to you,
Amen.
Saint Augustine
The introduction explains that the author has collected 280 prayers from over 140 different Christians who have lived a life of faith throughout the centuries. The Table of Contents lists the topics in alphabetical order. However, though a list of authors is provided near the beginning of the book, there is no index that allows the reader to locate the prayers associated to a specific one. Thus, there is no easy way (unless one has an electronic copy of the book) to find prayers by Mother Theresa. The prayers are thought provoking and meditative. They serve as devotionals in their own right for the believer seeking to follow the Savior. Whether in the home, the pastor’s desk, or in the church library, this volume may serve believers around the world.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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