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Christian Nonfiction. Religion & Spirituality. Nonfiction. HTML:Renowned pastor and New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet Timothy Keller explores the power of prayer. Christians are taught in their churches and schools that prayer is the most powerful way to experience God. But few receive instruction or guidance in how to make prayer genuinely meaningful. In Prayer, renowned pastor Timothy Keller delves into the many facets of this everyday act. With his trademark insights and energy, Keller offers biblical guidance as well as specific prayers for certain situations, such as dealing with grief, loss, love, and forgiveness. He discusses ways to make prayers more personal and powerful, and how to establish a practice of prayer that works for each reader. Dr. Keller�??s previous books have sold more than one million copies. His Redeemer Presbyterian Church is not only a major presence in his home base of New York, it has also helped to launch more than two hundred fifty other churches in forty-eight cities around the world. His teachings have already helped millions, the majority of whom pray regularly. And with Prayer, he�??ll show them how to find a deeper connection with God.… (more)
User reviews
I found all the material clear and understandable, but some people might be put off by the depth of his research. He covers mysticism in prayer and asks how much should we just focus on experiencing God and how much should we dialogue with God. He draws from Jesus (The Lord's Prayer), the Psalms, Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin. He also refers to Paul's prayers in his letters, as well as more contemporary teachers on prayer. His overarching goal is to distill their wisdom down to a series of practical principles for praying.
If you already like Timothy Keller's other books (The Prodigal God, The Reason for God, The King's Cross), you'll probably like this book. If you're not put off by extensive research and background on prayer, give it a try.
If I were to offer a critique about Prayer, it would be in the application section. Keller seems to have a fondness for lectio divina, the Catholic mystical view of meditation. I don't share his fondness for this practice. While it has some positive elements (like the incorporation of Scripture into one's prayer life), the prerequisite time of clearing one's mind and relaxation smacks of eastern mysticism. Please understand me: I'm not accusing Keller of being an eastern mystic. I am, however, questioning his affection for a prayer methodology that seems so eastern.
That one critique aside, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God is a valuable tool for the modern church. It brings some classic voices into the contemporary conversation and the reader is better for that. Also, it oozes theology, a much-needed quality from books on prayer. This book would be a great addition for anyone interested in becoming more prayerful and understanding the thinking behind and mechanics of a dynamic prayer life.