Thus says the Lord: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" --Jeremiah 6:16

 

6 February, 2006   comments: (0) Resource Spotlight   The Books That Taught The Puritans To Pray It's been said that these books taught generations of Puritan-era Christians how to pray. They are simply outlines of prayer that are filled with scripture; they are literally scripture prayer. After you read these books, you will never again say "How can I pray an hour a day?", and instead you may very well ask "How can I get through all of the things to pray for in the allotted time?". It's time to put away those modern Jabez prayers, and the purpose journal, and take your prayer habits back a few centuries. I had been seeing these two books around for a while, but was unaware of their place in history. That is, until I listened to this short MP3 audio clip of Pastor Ligon Duncan speaking on the topic of the Puritans. I have recently purchased these books, and they are on my "read soon" list. However, just by looking through the pages, it's obvious that these are nothing at all like anything on this topic, in modern Christian book stores. They are not easy reading however, so you'll want to approach these books as though they are a mountain to climb; one that will pay-off in the form of greater depth in your personal prayer life. Method For Prayer, Matthew Henry Though known for his commentaries on the Bible, few understand the passion and heart in this man. In this book, Henry's love for Jesus, passion for prayer, and love of Scripture can clearly be seen. The book is divided into different methods of prayer. In each chapter Henry offers some insights but mainly fills the pages with prayers (which the Puritans were noted for writing down their prayers; see also the Valley of Vision) and with Scriptures. Nearly every chapter contains over 50 passages of Scripture that Henry prayed. Matthew Henry saw that Christians benefit from discipline, as well as from talking freely with God. There are examples of styles of prayer and Henry talks as well of the nature of our communion with God. Banner of Truth says "Ligon Duncan's editorial work has given this valuable book a new lease of life". Available here. A Guide To Prayer, Isaac Watts The author is no doubt well known to readers as the writer of hymns. This book is not another "how to pray" book. Watts defines prayer as: "The conversation God allows us to maintain with Himself above while we are here below . . . in which the soul of a saint often gets near to God, experiences great delight and, as it were, dwells with his Heavenly Father for a short time before he comes to heaven". The whole book is written in this reverent and devotional strain. "Prayer", he says, "is so great a part of religion that every degree of assistance in it will always be welcome to pious minds". The book comprises five short chapters and is worth reading for the first chapter alone - "The Nature of Prayer", "The Gift of Prayer", "The Grace of Prayer", "The Spirit of Prayer". In the final chapter he sets out "Persuasive Arguments" to learn to pray. Available here. Related Reading and Resources: Listen to the full length interview of the audio clip above Learn about the book that started Puritanism Read 'Why We Need The Puritans Today' A Puritan's Mind has a list of some of the most important books Posted by: Jim B.   Link: http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.186   Be the first to post a comment about this article        Home  |   About  |  Videos   |  Calvinism