Customer Reviews

A Diary of Private Prayer

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John Baillie was an Anglican theologian, and evidently not a bad one. But his greatest work was this compilation of prayers. It is arranged into prayers for each morning and evening of 31 days, plus extra prayers for Sundays. The odd-numbered (right-side) pages have the prayers, while the even-numbered pages are empty for your own notes. The prayers are a combination of ancient prayers, various Christian liturgies, Scripture, and Baillie's own writing. It is written in elegant King James English, but it is certainly accessible to anyone who can read.

I can't recommend this highly enough for anyone, in any Christian tradition, wanting to grow in prayer. My God-mother gave it to me, and very quickly I was buying copies for my own good friends. Some of them were buying copies for their friends before long as well. I recommend it very enthusiastically. At least give it a try.

This book is a new discovery for me, having received it as a birthday present. I am very moved by the reverent, poetic tone of the prayers. Some are almost liturgical in their grandeur and solemnity. But at the same time it is very accessible--not too lofty.

I wish there was a bibliography or footnotes, since some of the passages are Bible quotes, or from ancient Orthodox prayer books. I would like to know more about the author and see another book by his: A Diary of Readings.

John Baillie's book is an exceptional work of spiritual literature. The prayers are beautiful and contain all the components necessary to help one praise, thank, confess, and supplicate for others. I use it quite often as a supplement to my prayer life and often give it as a gift, so that others can benefit from it as well.

I've been enjoying ADOPP for over a year now. It is refreshing to repeat prayers that are humble, selfless, grace-filled. These prayers are becoming formative for me, and are also becoming close friends. They lead me to embrace Christian holiness and to humbly examine my own egocentricity, confessionally. After Shawchuck and Job's, "A Guide to Prayer", ADOPP is the book I've given away most. Sure, the language is a little archaic (I'm using old versions of the book. I'm not sure if recent printings have been updated) but it is well worth the investment. Of all the books I"ve given my father over the years, I'm sure this is his favorite, too.

I am delighted to find this book in reprint, as I can now give it as a gift. An old copy had been given to me, and I have found it invaluable in transforming my prayer life.

The prayers are beautifully written, poetic and almost liturgical. As I read/pray them, I am sighing, "Oh yes!", as they put into words thoughts of my heart that I haven't been able to adequately express.

The prayers are very specific and challenging. They cause me to examine myself, to confessions which I might otherwise have glided over, to challenge myself in the service of God.

I am confident that this book will be a blessing to anyone who uses it.

John Baillie's Diary of Private Prayer has been a favorite classic of mine for over 30 years. His expressions of prayer touch the heart's needs and emotions with words I would use if I could have thought of them. It's an excellent guide and practice for prayer. I've given many copies as gifts over the years and am thankful it's being reprinted.

I cannot stand "devotionals." Modern Christianity suffers from a plague of "devotionals." Collections of trite, poorly written, and misguided "devotions" are so prevalent that many Christian bookstores fail to carry many better (and less commercial) books. The weeds choke and finally kill of the lilies. Yet behold! What is this? A beautiful Lilly among the weeds and grass...A Diary of Private Prayer is not like other "devotionals." The prayers are honest, thoughtful, and wonderfully lacking in self-consciousness. I do not believe we should go to God with a script. I do believe however that these prayers distill many things which are not commonly considered into a useful form for meditation and for drawing one into a personal relationship with God. I recommend this book.

Baillie has the rare ability to put into words the hopes and failings of Christian hearts and lives. I frequently give this book as a gift to friends,and most make it a part of their daily devotion. Even though Baillie uses the language of the King James Bible, he has a command of the language that is beautiful, compelling and inspirational. The thirty days of morning and evening prayers become more meaningful with repeated readings.

Baillie puts heart and soul into every prayer. The prayers are very long and extremely well written. They are extremely powerful and pious. I wish I could pray from the heart like he does. The prayers are inspirational and make a great adddition to any personal worship service.

This book is exceptional for meditating upon God. One can re-read these prayers for years and not exhaust the richness of Baille's images and insights. Guaranteed to expand and deepen your faith.Worth searching for in used book stores