8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Blessing of approaching the Throne of Grace, October 3, 2011
This review is from: At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers (Hardcover)
While very sick, the reformer John Knox, the organizer of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, called to his wife and said, "Read me that Scripture where I first cast my anchor." After he attended to the exquisite prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17, he seemed to forget his feebleness. He started to pray, interceding intently for his fellowmen. He prayed for the wicked who had thus far rejected the gospel. He pleaded in behalf of people who had been recently converted. And he requested protection for the Lord's servants, many of whom were facing persecution. As Knox prayed, his spirit went Home to be with the Lord. The man of whom Queen Mary had said, "I fear his prayers more than I do the armies of my enemies," ministered through prayer until the instant of his death. And John MacArthur in "At the Throne of Grace" handpicked an assortment of powerful prayers and Bible readings that will lift your heart in communion with God as you respond with thankfulness for all that He is and all that He has done for us in Christ Jesus. Christians can approach God's throne of grace just as Knox did and just as MacArthur does: through Jesus and the cross.
When Martin Luther's dog was at the table, he looked for a scrap from his master, and watched with open mouth and motionless eyes; and Luther said, "Oh, if I could only pray the way this dog watches the meat! All his thoughts are concentrated on the piece of meat. Otherwise he has no thought, wish or hope." For more than four decades as Pastor of the bible-based mega-church, John MacArthur has unwaveringly devoted himself to the vigilant and faithful instruction of scripture, verse by verse. A significant product of his study of Scripture is the deeply God honoring prayers that go before his sermons during Sunday's worship service. And because of his family's persistence, he has published some of his congregational payers for the edification of God's people.
"Christ went more readily ad crucem (to the cross), than we do to the throne of grace" (Thomas Watson).
Herein the reader finds:
- 52 Prayers with corresponding scripture readings
- Prayers arranged by theme
- the way to personal holiness
- inspiration to pray more often and with greater joy.
This volume is exceptional in both its content and arrangement. The binding is attractive; the print is easy to read, yet it is neither overly large nor too lavish. I appreciate the aim that these prayers and devotions seek from a devoted minister. These prayers are now preserved for future generations.
The author admonishes: "We need to pray more, we need to give more careful thought to the content of our prayers; and we need to spend more time preparing our hearts for prayer."
I enjoyed this book so much that I recommend it for all my friends. The loveliness of volume, and it is indeed handsome, pales in comparison to the beauty of the words conveyed in MacArthur's earnest prayers.
In prayer:
1. God's people glorify Him.
2. The wisdom of God that knows what is best for His people goes forward.
3. The power of God that can accomplish all things through Christ is affirmed.
4. We can know God better.
James 4:8 "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Since this book is a very handsome volume and will greatly edify the reader, it makes an outstanding gift for love-ones, ministers, and students. "At The Throne of Grace" will help direct readers in a relationship-based manner to pray to God as we approach the throne of Grace; then we know Him deeper and glorify Him better.
Mike A Robinson Author of:
"Truth, Knowledge and the Reason for God: The Defense of the Rational Assurance of Christianity"
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have for your personal library, October 26, 2011
This review is from: At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers (Hardcover)
John MacArthur may be best known for his roles as pastor, teacher and bible scholar but the foreword of his new book gives readers special insight to his role as a father. I was moved to tears when I read what his children humbly wrote about him:
"Our theology was shaped by the words our dad prayed..."
"By God's grace our dad has been what he preaches..."
The MacArthur childrens' love for their father is tangible through the words they write on the pages preceding the intimate collection of their father's prayers that they urged him to share with others. It was because of their admiration and respect for their father, that they encouraged him to share what they had been immersed in growing up. Their testimony is a powerful legacy to the man that so many respect and look up to.
This collection of John MacArthur's prayers is majestic, inspiring and calming. A sense of peace and serenity comes over the reader as they contemplate the powerful prayers of a man who has walked many years with God. These prayers are elegant and stately but at the same time profoundly simple. This book is a must have for those wanting to add a prayer book to their library.
The book is divided into 6 main sections and the last section has two prayers, one for Christmas and one for Easter. I highly recommend this book for yourself or as a gift.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Priviliged To Read, October 24, 2011
This review is from: At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers (Hardcover)
I received a great privilege in being able to review this awesome book! John MacArthur has been an important part of my spiritual life for many years.
This is the Publisher's Description and it says it all: Announcing a special new release from Bible teacher John MacArthur...a select collection of powerful Scripture readings and prayers that inspire heartfelt communion with God and gratitude for all that He is and has done for us.
This book will guide readers, in the most intimate way possible, before God's throne of grace...giving them a renewed passion and appreciation for their Lord.
I can't begin to tell you how much I "Love" this book.
Before we begin digesting these wonderful chapter, John begins with Prayers on Worship and the Attributes of God....Ahh! We then head into Prays on Joy and Longing and Prayers on the Cross and the Gospel! Something we all need...Prayers on Personal Holiness and where a lot of us lack...Prayers on Useful Service.
I highly recommend this book, if I could give it 10 starts or more ...I would!!!
I received this book from the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
