This is not the usual "how-to" book about prayer. It began as a series of essays written by the author for discussion at church staff meetings. In it he examines the life of prayer as a response to God, who is always the initiator. Prayer is important, not because it is a way for us to express ourselves, but because it teaches us to listen to and answer God. Reading it will definitely help you to persevere in prayer!
The book is divided into the three sections listed below.
*Part 1 focuses on God. Why should we pray to a God who has already ordained all things? What does it mean when God doesn't seem to be listening to our prayers?
*Part 2 explains how Scripture connects with the life of prayer. If prayer is speech that answers the word of God, we should be paying close attention to that word.
*Part 3 is more philosophical. Prayer is language, and in praying, we learn an entirely new language.
*Part 4 is the most practical part. It describes regular rhythms we should establish in our prayer lives -- corporate rhythms, daily person rhythms and the structure of typical prayers.
*The conclusion focuses on praying in the name of Jesus. Through prayer, we are participating in the life of the Jesus, and thereby taking part in continual conversation between Father, Son and Spirit.
VERDICT: 4 STARS. This is one of the most thoughtful books I've read on prayer. My only concern is the conclusion, which, if not read carefully could lead to the assumption that praying in the name of Jesus is a kind of magic bullet to make our prayers effective.
The Lutheran ladies received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. If you would like to purchase it, follow the link below:
https://www.crossway.org/books/answering-speech-tpb/
For more book reviews see these posts:
Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies by Marilyn McEntyre — Book Review
A Father's Prayer–Book Review
Prayer by O. Hallesby — Book Review
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