"Our prayers and God's mercy are like two buckets in a well. While the one ascends, the other descends. So, while our prayers ascend to God in heaven, his mercies and blessings descend upon us." - Ezekiel Hopkins
Many of us likely feel our time in prayer could use a boost, the same way we have good intentions to exercise (but never get to it), make a monthly meal plan (but that requires a lot of forethought) or going through the storage closet in the basement (but that project is just too overwhelming).
We wonder what it means to be “good” at prayer and how much time is enough, as if there’s a measuring stick.
Jesus withdrew from the crowds intentionally to pray. Jonah had nowhere else to go, stuck in the belly of a whale, so he prayed repentantly. Hannah prays in deep longing, the disciples gather to pray for Peter’s release, Hezekiah prays in his illness, David prays words of lament and praise. The prayers of Paul for the church are spread throughout his letters.
Scripture teaches us to pray constantly, to pray for each other, to be watchful and pray, to pray for our leaders, to pray together and alone, to pray in confession, adoration, supplication, and thanksgiving.
There’s a lot to go on here, but the point is, to pray.
Into His Presence | Book Review
Content
Content
Purpose of the Book
A collection of prayers to pray, rich with biblical doctrine.
Table of Contents
Introduction
CHAPTER 1. Prayers of Praise to the Father
CHAPTER 2. Prayers of Wonder for the Son
CHAPTER 3. Prayers of Dependence on the Spirit
CHAPTER 4. Prayers of Gratitude
CHAPTER 5. Prayers of Confession
CHAPTER 6. Prayers of Consecration
CHAPTER 7. Prayers for Times of Temptation
CHAPTER 8. Prayers for Times of Need
CHAPTER 9. Prayers for Times of Anxiety
CHAPTER 10. Prayers for Times of Sickness
CHAPTER 11. Prayers for the Church
CHAPTER 12. Prayers for the Lord’s Supper
Summary
Into His Presence: Praying with the Puritans by Tim Chester is a compilation of prayers written by Puritan believers. If you don’t know the Puritans, their movement in England during the 16th century, passionate “to see the church shaped by the Bible with a gospel of justification by faith alone.” Many were persecuted, forced out of the Church of England and some sailed for the safety of America.
I’ve started reading some of the books they’ve written, often a collection of sermons they preached, and I’m struck with how practically and exhaustively they teach on a topic, which has really challenged my spiritual growth as my understanding and knowledge grows.
My Recommendation
As I've gone through this book, I've been blessed, encouraged and humbled. These prayers are rich in scripture and theology, and when I pray them, I’m drawn to worship God and invite the work of the Spirit in my life.
When I've not known what words to offer, these prayers express truth with emotion and passion, helping me fix my eyes on the goodness and justice of God. There’s also no rushing through them, because the words bid you to stop a minute and take it all in.
If you’re looking for a prayer resource, something to draw you to pray more frequently and intentionally, I would recommend this one. It will guide your time in reflection of God’s Word and help you pause to meditate on His character.
Quick Stats
# of pages: 208
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
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Scriptures About Prayer
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Rom. 8:26)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:6)
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving (Col. 4:2)
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41)
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Rom. 12:12)
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Eph. 6:18)
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*Thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review!
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