Conversations with God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans [Paperback]

James M. Washington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 1995

A unique and moving collection of prayers by African-Americans spanning two centuries that has sold more than 30,000 copies and been unanimously embraced as "a powerful testament of faith and hope" (Corettta Scott King).

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Noted African American religion scholar Washington has gathered many previously unheard voices in this soul-stirring collection of prayers by African Americans. We hear, for example, the fervent cries of the slave Jupiter Hammon as he petitions God for salvation as well as the eloquent intercession for peace and justice of Riverside Church's senior minister, James Forbes. The anthology is divided into six sections, each focusing on specific issues in African American history and recording the prayerful responses of writers, preachers, and theologians to those issues. Included are the oft-neglected voices of Jarena Lee, Maria Stewart, and Harriet Jacobs as well as the more familiar voices of Martin Luther King Jr. and Howard Thurman. An excellent biographical sketch of each of the contributors adds to the value of the collection. Highly recommended for its thoroughness and its eloquence.
Henry L. Carrigan Jr., Westerville P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

The introduction and notes alone would make this a valuable work; the collection of almost 200 prayers, poems, hymns, and stories by authors ranging from the famous to the unknown makes it even more so. Washington, an eminent theologian and historian perhaps best known as the editor of A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., provides a wealth of context and resources for scholars and others interested in American--especially African American--spirituality. His broad definition of prayer as "conversation with God" and his considerable knowledge of the sources allow him to cover a remarkably ecumenical range of material. Washington begins by recounting his reluctance to take on this project for fear that it would contribute to the "grotesque profiteering, profanation, and cultural voyeurism that stalk our times." That reluctance, and the care with which he addresses it, is the key ingredient of the sensitivity with which Washington shares the material. This is no invitation to voyeurism, but a celebration, open to scholar and layperson alike, of the rich archive of "spiritual combat against the profane absurdities of racism," and an invitation--in the best tradition of public scholarship--to participate in the conversation. Steve Schroeder --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Amistad; Harperperennial edition (September 29, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060926570
• ISBN-13: 978-0060926571
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book that Uplifts the Soul, December 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversations with God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans (Paperback)

What a marvelous compendium of African American spirituality! Readers will invariably find themselves adding their own "Amen" with every turn of the page. The value of the book is enhanced by moving pictures and illustrations. A helpful bibliography and index are also included. It is regrettable that the late James M. Washington is not around to see the full fruit of his labor. He has certainly produced a work that is both timely and timeless in its relevance.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope-Giving, September 1, 2007

By 

Robert W. Kellemen "Doc. K." (Crown Point, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Conversations with God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans (Paperback)

Well-researched, wisely compiled, exhaustive in scope, encouraging in result, and providing worshipful hope. James Washington, in the spirit of Harold Carter's The prayer tradition of Black people, has collated over 200 prayers, poems, hymns, and stories reflecting the nature of African American spirituality. Lay people and academics will equally benefit from and enjoy this vibrant work.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction .

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!, December 22, 2003

By 

"cardodson" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conversations With God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans (Hardcover)

This is a collection of prayers that are beautiful, at times heart-wrenching, and always inspiring. I expect to read this book again and again.