Contemporaries Meet the Classics On Prayer [Hardcover]

Leonard Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2003

THE BEST ON PRAYER from YESTERDAY AND TODAY

That the almighty creator of the Universe is interested in hearing our hearts, our hurts, and our hopes is more than we can comprehend. But it's true. Through the gift of prayer, God invites our spirits to commune with his.

The book you hold in your hand is an inspirational collection of writings from some of the greatest thinkers of today and yesterday on the vast subject of prayer. In it you'll read brief selections from some of the best classic and contemporary writers, including, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Andrew Murray, Shirley Dobson, John Calvin, Jim Cymbala, Charles Wesley, Tony Evans, and many more.

This intriguing compilation is ideal for personal study, for sermon and lesson preparation, and for all who long to learn about the privilege of prayer.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This eclectic compilation of writings on prayer, gleaned from a myriad of Christian faith traditions both past and present, should appeal to a wide audience. The author, a visiting professor at Biola University in California, sets out to encourage Christians to find "a fuller, richer prayer life," expand their understanding of prayer's historic tradition and recover dimensions of prayer that may be neglected or unknown in contemporary church life. The collection is organized using 10 themes-all beginning a bit cloyingly with the letter "P" (Psalms, Passion, Posture, etc.). Kicking off the book is Ole Hallesby's striking essay "Why Should We Pray?" which sets the tone for the compilation, eschewing the idea that prayer is about getting something from God. This collection is an ambitious project, and makes for unlikely bedfellows-Evelyn Underhill and Shirley Dobson; Mother Teresa and Stormie Omartian; Joni Eareckson Tada and Jonathan Edwards. Here, cheek-by-jowl, mystics rub shoulders with charismatics, and Catholics hobnob with Protestants who mingle with the Orthodox. Several reader favorites may be omitted (Billy Graham, PW contributing editor Phyllis Tickle), but most of the expected ones make at least a brief appearance-some authors more than once. Allen succeeds in creating an opportunity for readers to examine prayer in all its facets as understood by a broad spectrum of writers of faith, and vividly reminds readers that prayer is both timeless and relevant. The delightful and sometimes startling juxtapositions make this collection one that will invite personal reflection.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 302 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582292876
• ISBN-13: 978-1582292878
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,287,219 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars okay - but nothing great, August 3, 2009

By 

W. Matthews (Strongstown, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Contemporaries Meet the Classics On Prayer (Hardcover)

This book contains many authors' thoughts on prayer. The oldest writings are from Martin Luther and John Calvin during the 1500's. Some of the contemporary, more familiar names are Max Lucado and Jim Cymbala.

The book is divided into 10 chapters, each dealing with a particular topic of prayer.

* the purpose of prayer
* the Psalms as prayer
* patterns for prayer
* a passion for prayer
* the posture of prayer
* problems with prayer
* powerlessness and prayer
* public and private prayer
* pastoral prayer
* the power of prayer

Overall, this was an okay book. I was excited to start reading it, but after a few chapters it got a little boring. It does provide you with a nice introduction to many authors' writings. If you like their style then you can get their books for future reading enjoyment.

Personally, I thought several of the authors wrote a lot of words, but didn't really say anything of any value.

I would recommend this book only if you are looking specifically for a wide variety of writings on the topic of prayer to determine which authors you want to study more thoroughly.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Short, Insightful Reading, August 3, 2009

By 

Eric Wright (Dayton, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Contemporaries Meet the Classics On Prayer (Hardcover)

This book is a great addition to your collection for devotional reading. It brings together a wide range of authors on the subject of prayer...from contemporary authors to the classics of Christian faith. It contains many of the authors you know, but also introduces you to some new authors you may not know.

I highly recommend this for short, insightful times of reading. It is perfect for devotional or retreat settings. I bought mine while on a personal retreat, and have loved it ever since.

I would, however, liked to have seen more from the Early Church Fathers included. The Contemporaries Meet the Classics on the Holy Spirit seems to do a better job of including them.